Purnia: At least six people were seriously injured in Purnia on Wednesday night after a high-speed street race between two SUVs ended in chaos and tragedy. According to police and eyewitness accounts, two vehicles — a Toyota Fortuner and a Mahindra Scorpio — were reportedly travelling at over 100km/h as they raced through the city.
The Scorpio, allegedly driven by a young man identified as Suraj Kumar, a resident of Gulabbag, lost control near Ford Company Chowk, ploughing into a group of people before smashing into an ice cream van and then colliding with a roadside divider. Eyewitnesses described a horrific scene. “People were thrown into the air like footballs,” said Mohammad Shahid, a local resident who witnessed the crash.
“The boys in both vehicles were racing. They’re all from wealthy families. The Scorpio went out of control and mowed down over half a dozen people who were enjoying ice cream by the roadside.”After the collision, the Scorpio overturned. All occupants reportedly fled the scene on foot, abandoning the wrecked vehicle.
The Fortuner, believed to have rear-ended the Scorpio moments after the crash, fled the scene immediately. Police have since seized the Scorpio and are investigating the incident. “If we receive a formal complaint from the injured, appropriate action will follow,” said Sub-Inspector Raj Kumar from K. Haat police station. The injured have been taken to GMCH (Government Medical College and Hospital), where they remain in critical condition.
Those identified include Inayat of Lalganj Milki, Mohammad Sadre of Line Bazar, Sahiba Parveen, and Mohammad Jalil of Qabristan Chowk Line Bazar. Two others are yet to be identified. As of Thursday morning, no arrests have been made. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
