Patna: 3 Dead as Car Carrying Family Plunges into Canal

Patna: In a tragic road accident near Saraiya village under Ranitalab police station limits in Patna district, a car carrying five members of a family plunged into a roadside canal on Saturday morning, resulting in the death of three persons and injuries to two others.

The deceased have been identified as Nirmala Devi (52), Neetu Singh (36), and Astitu Kumari (10) — all residents of Kariho village in Mahua, Vaishali district. The injured — Nandan Singh and Riddhi Singh — are undergoing treatment and are reported to be stable.

Returning Home for a Family Celebration

The family was travelling from Chhattisgarh to Hajipur to attend a wedding anniversary at their native home when the mishap occurred. Preliminary investigation by Ranitalab police suggests the accident likely took place due to the driver falling asleep at the wheel.

The vehicle veered off the road and overturned into a canal near Saraiya village. Locals, upon witnessing the crash, alerted the authorities immediately.

Rescue Operation and Administrative Response

A JCB machine was brought in to pull the vehicle out of the water. The rescue operation was carried out jointly by the police, local administration, and villagers. Three of the five occupants were declared dead at the scene. The two survivors were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Ranitalab SHO Pramod Kumar confirmed the details, stating, “We received information early morning about a car overturning into a canal. A team was dispatched to the site immediately. With the help of locals and a JCB, the car was recovered. Sadly, three people had died by the time help arrived. Two others have been hospitalized.”

The bodies of the deceased have been sent to AIIMS Patna for postmortem examination.

Family Devastated by Loss

The victims belonged to the same extended family and were on their way to celebrate a joyous occasion. What was meant to be a family gathering has turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for the residents of Kariho village.