Jalpaiguri, 3 October (H.S.):

A tragic accident marred Durga Puja festivities in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district on Thursday night, when a speeding SUV lost control and rammed into a group of people near Dhupguri on the Asian Highway-4. The vehicle went off the road, mowed down bystanders, and crashed into a roadside shop, leaving three people dead and seven others seriously injured.

According to police sources, the incident occurred near Bridge No. 2, at a time when hundreds of devotees were on the streets for pandal visits and idol immersion. Witnesses said the SUV came at high speed, struck people standing in a queue, and created chaos as bystanders fell to the ground in panic.

Locals immediately launched rescue efforts, rushing the injured to a nearby hospital. Police teams soon arrived at the spot and began an investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle before the crash.

The driver, however, fled the scene after the accident. A senior Jalpaiguri police officer confirmed on Friday morning that three people had died and at least seven were injured, all of whom are undergoing treatment. An FIR has been lodged, and a manhunt has been launched to trace the absconding driver.

The incident has triggered shock and fear in the area, casting a shadow over the festive celebrations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh