Kolkata, Oct 2 (NationPress) A devastating road incident unfolded on the evening of Dashami when a car careened into a shop crowded with festive visitors, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to seven others as they were celebrating Durga Puja.

The collision occurred on Thursday evening near bridge number two on Asian Highway 4, which connects Dhupguri to Mainaguri in the Jalpaiguri district.

Upon receiving reports of the mishap, police swiftly arrived at the scene. Their preliminary investigation suggests that the car may have lost control, leading to this tragic event.

An official stated that an inquiry has been initiated, noting that the driver of the vehicle has fled, and efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him. The incident has left the local community shaken.

According to police reports, many individuals were out enjoying the puja mandaps and participating in the idol immersion when an SUV sped into a shop situated by the roadside. Numerous people standing in line to visit a puja mandap were violently thrown aside due to the force of the collision.

After the crash, the driver escaped the scene. Local residents promptly began rescue efforts and transported the injured to nearby medical facilities.

A senior officer from Jalpaiguri district police confirmed that a speeding vehicle crashed into a shop and that several pedestrians were affected.

“We have lost three lives, with around seven individuals injured, who are currently receiving treatment in a hospital. We have filed a case against the driver, who remains at large. A search operation is ongoing to apprehend him,” the officer stated.