Six killed in Khagaria road crash on NH-31, truck driver absconding
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
At least six people, including three women and a child, were killed on Monday, 18 May when a truck, a Scorpio SUV, and an auto-rickshaw collided on National Highway-31 in Khagaria district, Bihar. The crash occurred at approximately 3:30 pm IST under the jurisdiction of Mansi Police Station, and several others sustained critical injuries in the impact.
How the Collision Unfolded
According to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Mansi Police Station, the multi-vehicle pile-up involved a heavy truck, a Scorpio SUV, and an auto-rickshaw. Eyewitnesses described the collision as extremely severe — the auto-rickshaw was completely mangled, and the front portion of the Scorpio suffered extensive damage.
The force of the impact was such that passengers travelling in the auto-rickshaw were thrown onto the road. Several victims died at the spot, while others were left critically injured. Local residents and passersby who heard the loud crash rushed to the scene and began rescue efforts before police arrived.
Rescue and Medical Response
Police personnel reached the site and, with the assistance of local residents, shifted the injured to Sadar Hospital for treatment. The bodies of the deceased have been taken into police custody and sent for post-mortem examination. The damaged vehicles, including the truck, have been seized by authorities.
Probe Launched, Driver Absconding
The truck driver, reportedly responsible for the collision, is currently absconding, and efforts are underway to trace him, according to police. Khagaria Police are awaiting the arrival of family members of the deceased to lodge formal complaints. The SHO stated that statements from the injured are also being recorded to help identify the victims. 'We are making efforts to record the statements of the injured persons. They are expected to help identify the deceased,' the SHO said.
Grief at the Hospital
As news of the accident spread, relatives of the deceased and injured gathered at Sadar Hospital, where scenes of mourning and distress were witnessed. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. This comes amid persistent concerns over road safety on national highways in Bihar, where high-speed truck movement and inadequate median barriers have been flagged repeatedly by road safety advocates.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected once formal complaints are registered and post-mortem reports are available.