Seven pilgrims en route to the Ganga ghat were killed when a speeding truck collided with an auto-rickshaw in Daniyawan, Patna, early on Saturday.
The impact was so severe that the auto was reportedly torn apart, with most passengers dying on the spot.
Local residents rushed to the scene in panic, witnessing the aftermath of the collision. The injured were immediately taken to a nearby hospital and later referred to Patna due to their critical condition. Eyewitnesses claim the truck driver fled the scene with the vehicle, prompting police to launch a search operation.
Authorities have begun an investigation and are working to identify the absconding driver. This incident follows a similar tragedy on August 15, when 10 pilgrims died in a bus-truck collision in West Bengal’s Burdwan district.
The recurring nature of such accidents has raised concerns over road safety and enforcement in pilgrimage zones, especially during peak travel periods.