East Medinipur, 10 August (H.S.): An uncontrolled high-speed lorry rammed into and crushed four roadside shops in the Siddha Bazar area of National Highway No. 6 in East Medinipur district on Saturday night. So far, two bodies have been recovered, while seven to eight people are feared dead.

According to preliminary reports, the driver was drunkl and lost control of the vehicle. The lorry ploughed into a stationery shop, a paan stall, and a sweet shop, among others, causing massive destruction.

Local sources said people present in the shops at the time may have been killed. On information, the police rushed to the spot and began rescue operation. The lorry was removed from the debris with the help of a crane, and efforts are ongoing to locate more victims trapped underneath.

Authorities are investigating the incident and have not yet confirmed the final death toll.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey