Khunti- A road accident in Jharkhand’s Khunti district claimed the lives of two persons, including a church priest, while another priest was left critically injured, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The mishap occurred late Wednesday night near Dodma Bazaar Tand on the Khunti–Simdega main road within the Torpa police station limits. A car carrying the victims reportedly rammed into the rear of a truck.
Those killed were identified as Father Sushil Praveen Tidu, a resident of Dodma Bishunpur, and Sunil Bhengra of Dodma village. Father Johnson Bhengra, another pastor travelling in the vehicle, suffered serious injuries and was shifted to RIMS, Ranchi, after initial treatment at Sadar Hospital in Khunti.
Officials said the collision was so intense that the car’s front portion was completely crushed, trapping those inside. Locals rushed to the scene after hearing the crash and helped rescue the victims, who were later taken to hospital by ambulance.
Doctors declared two occupants dead on arrival, while the injured pastor was referred for advanced medical care. His condition remains critical.
Torpa police arrived at the site, cleared the road to resume traffic, and began an investigation after taking the truck driver into custody for questioning. Preliminary findings point to high speed and reduced visibility as possible causes, though a detailed probe is underway.
The tragedy has left the local community, particularly members of the church, in deep shock and mourning. Police have sent the bodies for post-mortem and initiated further legal action.
With inputs from IANS