At least four people were killed and more than 15 were seriously injured after a speeding car crashed into people proceeding to immerse a Durga idol in Pathalgaon, Jashpur district in Chhattisgarh on Friday.
“Four people have died and over 15 are critically injured. Of them, around 8-9 have suffered serious injuries. The number of fatalities may increase,” said a police officer.
Witnesses said that the driver intentionally targeted the gathering on Raigarh road and a viral video of the crash is also available on the internet.
The immersion procession had set out from Pathalgaon at around 1.30 pm when a Sumo, driving at a speed of 100-120 km per hour, crashed into it, throwing people around and crushing others.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle was caught by the people and thrashed. A huge quantity of ganja was also found in the vehicle, which was set ablaze by the enraged people.
The crowd was later controlled by the police and the driver has been hospitalized.
The two people in the car identified as Radheshyam Vishwakarma, 21, and Shishupal Shahu have been arrested.
The crash resulted in the temporary closure of Gumla-Katni highway.
