Patna, February 24 – A tragic road accident on NH-31 near the Bagdi Bridge in the Jhandapur police station area of Bhagalpur district claimed four lives and left 16 people injured on Tuesday evening.
According to the in-charge of the Jhandapur police outpost, a speeding truck collided with a pickup van near Bagdi Bridge.
Following the impact, the pickup van lost control and collided with an e-rickshaw and a bus traveling in opposite directions, leading to a multi-vehicle crash.
Four people died instantly. A total of sixteen people were injured, and several of them are in critical condition.
All four passengers were travelling in the e-rickshaw.
Local police immediately rushed to the scene after receiving information and transported the injured to the Bihpur Community Health Centre (CHC).
Due to the severity of the injuries, several victims were referred to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, also known as Mayaganj Hospital, for advanced treatment.
The bodies of the deceased have been sent to Mayaganj Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Among the victims, three were residents of Sameli in Katihar district, while one was from Mansi in Khagaria district.
The identities of the injured individuals are still being verified. The victims include a woman, a child, and two laborers, who were reportedly returning from work at a brick kiln at the time of the accident.
Confirming the incident, Prerna Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Navgachhia, said: "The accident occurred near Bagdi Bridge under the Jhandapur police station limits around 5:30 pm on Tuesday. Four people died on the spot, and 16 others were injured. Some of the injured are in critical condition and have been referred to Bhagalpur for better treatment. Those with minor injuries are being treated at the subdivisional hospital."
Police are investigating the cause of the accident, and traffic movement on NH-31 was temporarily affected following the crash.
The death toll is expected to rise further.