KKN Gurugram Desk | A devastating road accident occurred early Sunday morning in Sitamarhi district of Bihar, claiming the lives of three members of the same family and leaving four others critically injured. The tragic collision took place near Rampur Hari petrol pump on National Highway 77 (NH 77) under the Rampur Hari Police Station jurisdiction.

Accident Overview: Collision Between Scorpio and Uncontrolled Truck

According to initial police reports, the accident happened at around 4:00 AM when a Scorpio SUV heading from Sitamarhi to Muzaffarpur collided head-on with a speeding, uncontrolled truck coming from the opposite direction.

• The crash was so severe that three occupants died on the spot.

• Four other passengers sustained serious injuries and were immediately transported to SKMCH Muzaffarpur for emergency treatment.

Victims Identified: Family Returning from Wedding Ceremony

Police sources confirmed that the deceased and injured were returning home after attending a wedding function. The vehicle was carrying residents of Harinagar village, located in Bokhara block of Sitamarhi.

Deceased Identified:

• Raju Kumar (22), son of Umesh Mandal

• Parvati Devi (48), wife of Umesh Mandal

• Saroj Kumar (Age not specified)

All three reportedly died on the spot due to severe head trauma and internal injuries.

Injured:

The names of the injured have not been officially disclosed yet, but they are believed to be close relatives of the deceased. All are currently under observation at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), Muzaffarpur.

Eyewitness Account and Police Statement

According to early accounts, the truck was being driven at high speed and is suspected to have lost control before veering into the wrong lane, leading to a direct head-on collision with the Scorpio.

Police Officer’s Statement:

“It was a high-impact crash. We believe both vehicles were traveling at considerable speed. We have sent the bodies for postmortem and have initiated an investigation under IPC sections relating to rash and negligent driving.” — SHO, Rampur Hari Police Station

Vehicle Conditions and Forensic Evidence

Photographs from the scene show:

• The Scorpio’s front portion completely mangled.

• The truck suffered frontal damage, suggesting minimal braking before impact.

• Forensic teams have collected evidence to determine exact speed and angle of impact.

A preliminary forensic report is expected within 48 hours to assist in reconstructing the sequence of events.

Postmortem and Medical Treatment

• The bodies of the deceased have been sent to Sitamarhi district hospital for autopsy.

• Medical staff at SKMCH confirmed that two of the injured are in critical condition, while the other two have been stabilized.

Hospital Official’s Note:

“We have provided immediate trauma care. CT scans and internal injury assessments are ongoing. Surgery may be required for some patients depending on their recovery in the next 24 hours.”

Community Reaction: Grief in Harinagar Village

News of the tragedy has plunged Harinagar village into mourning. Locals remember the deceased family members as kind, hardworking individuals.

Neighbors and relatives gathered at the family home upon hearing the news. The entire village observed silence in memory of the victims, and local leaders have demanded better road safety measures.

Administrative Response and Compensation Demands

While district administration has yet to release an official compensation package, local leaders and residents are urging:

• Immediate financial relief to the bereaved family

• Strict action against the truck driver (who allegedly fled the scene)

• Installation of speed cameras and dividers on NH 77 near Rampur Hari to prevent future mishaps

NH 77: A High-Risk Zone

National Highway 77, especially the Sitamarhi–Muzaffarpur stretch, has become increasingly notorious for frequent fatal accidents.

Reasons Identified:

• Lack of median barriers

• Poor lighting at night

• High-speed vehicular movement

• Negligent driving by heavy vehicles

Transport experts and civil society groups have repeatedly urged the Bihar Road Transport Department to enhance safety infrastructure on this highway.

Past Accidents on the Same Route

This incident adds to the list of serious road accidents that have occurred on NH 77 in recent years:

• In December 2023, a collision between a bus and a tractor killed 5 people.

• In August 2024, two students died in a bike-truck accident near Dumra block.

These repeated accidents raise serious concerns about road maintenance, traffic regulation, and driver accountability.

What’s Next: Legal Investigation and Arrests

The local police have filed an FIR against unknown persons, and efforts are on to trace the truck driver, who reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.

CCTV footage from nearby petrol stations and shops is being reviewed to:

• Confirm the truck’s registration

• Identify the driver and his driving license details

• Determine if any traffic rules were violated before the crash

This tragic incident serves as yet another grim reminder of India’s alarming road safety statistics, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.