7 Killed As Speeding Trailer Truck Runs Over Villagers In Jharkhand’s Khunti; PM Modi Expresses Grief

Khunti, Nov 6: At least seven people, including a 12-year-old boy, were killed after a speeding 18-wheeler trailer truck ran over villagers who had gathered to help a scooter accident victim on the Karra-Torpa road in Jharkhand’s Khunti district late Thursday night.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

In a message shared by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X, Modi said he was deeply pained by the loss of lives in the accident.

According to preliminary reports, the accident took place around 10 pm near the Jone-Ludru turn on the Karra-Torpa main road. A scooter had reportedly met with an accident, following which several villagers gathered at the spot to assist the rider.

Meanwhile, an 18-wheeler trailer truck allegedly coming from the Torpa side at high speed rammed into the gathering, crushing several people.

Six people died on the spot, while a 12-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries during treatment at Khunti Sadar Hospital. A young girl was also injured in the incident.

The tragedy sparked widespread outrage among residents on Friday morning, with villagers blocking the road near the Karra railway crossing by burning tyres. Vehicular movement was disrupted as protesters demanded the immediate arrest of the truck driver.

The agitators also sought adequate financial compensation and government jobs for the families of the deceased, besides stronger road safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Police personnel and administrative officials rushed to the spot and held discussions with the protesters to lift the blockade. The authorities assured the affected families of all possible assistance and compensation as per government provisions.

Additional police personnel were deployed in the area to maintain law and order amid rising tensions.