Jaipur: One person was killed and at least 16 others were injured after a speeding luxury car rammed into roadside food stalls in a busy locality of Jaipur, police said on Saturday. The incident took place late Friday night near Kharbas Circle under the Patrakar Colony police station area, triggering panic among the large crowd present at the spot.
According to police, an Audi car, allegedly involved in a race with another vehicle, first struck a road divider before ploughing into a row of food stalls set up along the roadside. Station House Officer Madan Kadwasra said over 50 people were gathered in the area when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The car reportedly hit more than 10 stalls, ran over several people and finally came to a halt after crashing into a tree nearly 100 metres away. Another vehicle also overturned due to the impact of the collision.
The deceased was identified as Ramesh Bairwa, a resident of Bhilwara, who was working as a helper at one of the food stalls. Police said four of the injured were shifted to SMS Hospital in critical condition, while others were admitted to Jaipuria Hospital. Three people were discharged after being given first aid.
The driver of the Audi was identified as Dinesh Rinwa, a businessman who had purchased the car around three months ago. Police said he fled the scene along with two others, abandoning the vehicle. One of the occupants was caught by local residents and handed over to the police. Initial investigations suggest that the accused were intoxicated at the time of the incident. The Audi has been seized and mobile phones were recovered from inside the car.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief over the incident and termed it tragic and heart-wrenching. He said instructions had been issued to ensure proper and timely medical treatment for all the injured. Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar also visited the injured at Jaipuria Hospital and SMS Trauma Centre and directed doctors and medical staff to provide the best possible care.
Police have launched a search operation to trace the absconding accused and said further investigation into the case is underway.
