Patna: Three members of the same family were killed and two others sustained critical injuries after a truck collided with an auto-rickshaw on the Patna-Sarmera National Highway near Saidanpur village, under the Gaurichak police station area, on Thursday morning.
The accident prompted protests by local residents and family members, who blocked the highway and demanded action over what they described as frequent road accidents on the stretch. Police later cleared the blockade and restored traffic.
Three Killed at the Scene
According to police and local sources, Gautam Kumar, a resident of Jamalpur, was travelling in an auto-rickshaw (registration number BR-01P-4625) with his wife, two children and another family member. The family was reportedly on its way to Patanpura to seek medical treatment for the children.
Near Saidanpur village, a speeding truck allegedly rammed into the auto-rickshaw. The impact left the vehicle badly damaged.
Seema Kumari, 30, Gautam Kumar’s wife, their three-year-old daughter Riya Kumari and an eight-year-old child died at the scene, according to police. Gautam Kumar and another family member sustained serious injuries.
Local residents rescued the injured from the mangled vehicle before they were taken to hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.
Highway Protest After Accident
The incident drew a large number of villagers and relatives to the site. Protesters blocked the Patna-Sarmera National Highway and raised slogans against the administration.
Residents alleged that speeding vehicles frequently cause accidents on the route and called for stronger enforcement and road safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
Investigation Underway
The Gaurichak police took custody of the bodies and sent them for post-mortem examinations.
Police said efforts are underway to identify the truck and its driver. The circumstances leading to the collision are being investigated.
