8 killed as truck ploughs into wedding crowd in Lakhisarai

PATNA: A wedding ceremony at a village in Lakhsarai district turned tragic after a truck ploughed into two houses where the ceremony was being held, killing eight people, including three children, and injuring several others early on Thursday morning.
Police said the incident took place around 2am when the truck driver lost control and rammed the vehicle into the two houses in Manjhi Tola of Halsi block.
“After the groom’s family members, who are from Garhi village in Bishnupur, were welcomed inside by the bride’s father Dukhi Manjhi and other family members, some people were still standing near the gate when the truck rammed them. The driver fled leaving behind the vehicle,” said Halsi police station SHO Santosh Kumar.
He added, “Eight people died at the spot while four injured were taken to Halsi PHC and later admitted to the Lakhisarai Sadar Hospital.”
The empty truck was coming from Lakhisarai town after offloading the goods and was headed towards Sikandra in Jamui district, police said. A complaint has been lodged at Halsi police station against the truck driver and raids are on to nab the driver.
After the incident, a group of agitated locals blocked the road near Ambedkar Chowk, demanding compensation for the families of the deceased. Lakhisarai SP Manish Kumar and SDM Murli Prasad Singh reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
CM Nitish Kumar condoled the deaths and announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured.
The deceased were identified as Manjit Kumar (39), Natkat Manjhi (65), Muskan Kumari (10), Umesh Manjhi (40), Rajiv Kumar (18), Dhanraj Manjhi (12), Shambhu Manjhi (8) and Gora Manjhi (30). The condition of the four undergoing treatment at Lakhisarai Sadar Hospital are said to be critical.