A road accident in the Mulmula Police Station area on Sunday morning, took the lives of five people of a family, including a newly-wed couple. The unfortunate incident occurred when a speeding truck collided with the car carrying the family. The victims were identified as Shubham Soni, the groom, his newly-wed bride Neha, Shubham’s father Omprakash Soni (50), uncle Sarju Soni (66), and aunt Revati Soni. The family was returning to Baloda after bidding farewell following the wedding festivities in Shivrinarayan.

 

The collision occurred near Chandi Devi Temple in the Pakaria forest around 5 am. The impact was so severe that the car was mangled and shattered into pieces. Local residents who witnessed the tragedy promptly alerted the police. Rescue efforts were initiated immediately, and the trapped occupants were extricated from the wreckage and rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, the doctors declared four individuals, including the bride, dead upon arrival. The groom succumbed to his injuries during treatment, increasing the death toll to five. Following the accident, smoke started emanating from the damaged vehicle and a fire brigade was immediately called to the scene.

 

Firefighters doused the car fire immediately on arrival. Meanwhile, the driver of the truck involved in the collision fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle. A search is currently underway to apprehend the absconding driver, and the truck has been seized by authorities. Janjgir-Champa SP Vijay Aggarwal while expressing about the gravity of the situation, emphasised the need for a thorough investigation into the incident and said that the truck driver is absconding and the police is on the lookout.