Ramgarh: A devastating road accident claimed the lives of seven members of a band troupe after the van they were travelling in was struck by a truck in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. One person sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.
The collision took place near Barlong Budhbazar under the jurisdiction of Rajrappa police station shortly after midnight. According to police, the victims were returning after a musical engagement when the speeding truck rammed into their vehicle.
Officials said six occupants of the van died instantly due to the impact, while another critically injured passenger succumbed during treatment at the hospital. The lone survivor remains under medical observation.
Police teams rushed to the accident site after receiving information about the crash. The severely damaged van was removed from the road with the help of cranes, while rescue personnel worked to retrieve those trapped inside the vehicle.
Ramgarh Sub-Divisional Police Officer Alok Ranjan confirmed that seven fatalities had been reported in the incident and said an investigation has been initiated to determine the exact circumstances leading to the collision.
The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination before being handed over to their families. Police are also working to complete the identification process and inform the relatives of the victims.
Preliminary inquiries suggest that the truck collided head-on with the van, although officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the accident. Investigators are examining factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions and driver negligence as part of the probe.
The tragic incident has cast a shadow over the local community, with residents expressing grief over the sudden loss of lives. Authorities have assured that appropriate legal action will be taken once the investigation establishes responsibility for the accident.
The crash is the latest addition to a series of fatal road accidents reported from different parts of the country, once again highlighting concerns over highway safety and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
