Patna, Aug 6 — A pilgrimage to Sultanganj turned tragic on Thursday when a speeding truck rammed into a broken-down CNG tempo carrying devotees in Bihar's Begusarai district.
The tempo driver was killed during treatment, while several Kanwariyas sustained injuries in the accident.
The incident occurred in the Sahebpur Kamal police station area between Bakhda Dhala and Sanha Dhala.
According to police, the CNG tempo was carrying devotees from Barauni to Sultanganj to collect holy Ganga water for offering to Lord Shiva.
After the vehicle developed a mechanical fault, the driver and the pilgrims stepped down and began pushing it along the roadside.
At that moment, a speeding truck coming from behind allegedly crashed into the tempo and the devotees pushing it, triggering panic at the scene.
On receiving information, personnel from the Sahebpur Kamal police station rushed to the spot and, with the assistance of local residents, shifted the injured to the Community Health Centre at Sahebpur Kamal.
After first aid, those with serious injuries were referred to Begusarai Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment.
The tempo driver, identified as Kari, a resident of Bihat, succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Among the injured are Anish Sahani (40), son of Ram Pukar Sahani and a resident of Hajipur in Vaishali district; Ram Ratan Rai (48), son of Mahavir Rai; and Vikas Kumar, son of the late Vinod Das and a resident of Barauni.
Other injured devotees are also undergoing treatment.
The truck driver fled the scene immediately after the accident.
Police have seized the damaged vehicles and launched a search to trace the truck and its absconding driver based on statements recorded from the injured and other witnesses.
An FIR has been registered at the Sahebpur Kamal police station against the truck driver for rash and negligent driving.
The body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigation is underway.