Patna: A road accident in Patna triggered violent protests on Friday after a young man was killed after being hit by a speeding bus. The incident was followed by arson and clashes between an angry crowd and police, with around 10 vehicles, including buses, motorcycles and two police vehicles, reportedly set on fire.
The incident also led to the burning of a traffic police post and the blocking of National Highway-30, causing significant disruption to traffic in the area.
According to the details available, the youth died on the spot after being struck by the speeding bus. Following the accident, an angry crowd gathered at the scene and the situation quickly escalated.
Bus set on fire after fatal accident
Soon after the accident, protesters allegedly set the bus involved in the incident on fire. When a fire brigade team reached the spot to control the blaze, members of the crowd reportedly chased them away.
The situation deteriorated further as the crowd allegedly set fire to several other vehicles. Two police vehicles, buses and motorcycles were among the vehicles damaged or destroyed in the violence.
Traffic police post also torched
The protesters also allegedly set fire to a traffic police post in the area. The violence brought traffic movement on NH-30 to a standstill, as protesters blocked the highway following the fatal accident.
Firefighters later managed to bring the flames under control, while police personnel moved in to disperse the crowd.
Police, protesters face off
As the situation remained tense, police and the protesting crowd came face-to-face. Police subsequently moved to disperse the people involved in the violence and regain control of the area.
The damaged bus was later removed from the spot with the help of a crane to clear the road.
The incident caused considerable disruption in the area, with the highway remaining blocked amid the protests and arson. Further details regarding the identity of the deceased, the exact location of the accident and police action against those involved are awaited.
