Khunti (IANS): In a tragic road accident, two persons, including a church pastor, were killed on the spot, while another pastor sustained critical injuries in Jharkhand’s Khunti district, officials said on Thursday.
The accident occurred around 11 pm on Wednesday near Dodma Bazaar Tand on the Khunti–Simdega main road under the jurisdiction of Torpa Police Station.
According to officials, the victims were travelling in a car that rammed into a truck from behind, resulting in a devastating collision.
Victims Identified
Those killed have been identified as Father Sushil Praveen Tidu, a resident of Dodma Bishunpur, and Sunil Bhengra, a resident of Dodma village. Another church pastor, Father Johnson Bhengra, sustained serious injuries in the accident.
Father Johnson Bhengra was initially provided first aid at Sadar Hospital Khunti and was later referred to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, for advanced treatment. His condition remains critical, doctors said.
Car Mangled, Locals Rush to Help
Preliminary information suggests that the impact was so severe that the front portion of the car was completely mangled, trapping the occupants inside. Hearing the crash, local villagers and passersby rushed to the scene and helped rescue the victims. The injured were pulled out from the wreckage and taken to Sadar Hospital by ambulance.
Doctors at the hospital declared Father Sushil Praveen Tidu and Sunil Bhengra dead on arrival.
Police Probe Underway
After receiving information, Torpa police reached the accident site, cleared the damaged vehicles and restored traffic on the busy highway. The truck driver has been taken in for questioning, and an investigation has been initiated.
Preliminary findings indicate that high speed and poor nighttime visibility, along with a possible misjudgment of distance, may have caused the accident. However, police said the exact cause will be confirmed after a detailed investigation.
The sudden deaths have plunged the local church community and residents into mourning. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and further legal proceedings are underway.
