Daijiworld Media Network – Jaipur
Jaipur, Jan 10: Panic prevailed in the bustling Mansarovar area of Jaipur on Friday night after a speeding Audi car went out of control and rammed into pedestrians and roadside food stalls, killing one person on the spot and leaving several others injured, police said.
The incident occurred around 9.30 pm near Kharbas Circle under the jurisdiction of Patrakar Colony police station. According to police and eyewitnesses, the luxury car was allegedly racing with another vehicle at a very high speed when it hit a road divider and veered off course, ploughing into food stalls over a stretch of nearly 30 metres.
More than 50 people were present at the spot at the time of the incident, with around 18 reportedly hit by the vehicle. Four persons sustained serious injuries, including three who are said to be in critical condition.
Of the four occupants in the Audi, three, including the driver, are absconding. One of them is reportedly a Jaipur police constable. The fourth occupant, identified as Pappu from Renwal, was caught by locals at the scene and handed over to the police. Preliminary investigations suggest that all four occupants were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
The injured were rushed to various hospitals. Eight were taken to Jaipuria Hospital, four were shifted to private hospitals by their families, while others received first aid at the spot.
The critically injured have been admitted to SMS Hospital and Jaipuria Hospital. The Audi, which is registered in Daman and Diu, has been seized and further investigation is underway.
An eyewitness told police that the vehicle was being driven by Dinesh Ranwa of Churu, who had called him to Kharbas Circle before engaging in a high-speed race with another car, leading to the fatal accident.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, who was in Jodhpur at the time, directed city officials and hospital authorities to ensure immediate medical care to the injured. Medical Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar and Deputy Chief Minister Dr Premchand Bairwa visited the hospitals and the accident site. Local MLA Gopal Sharma and senior officials from the Chief Minister’s Office were also present.
The incident has once again raised concerns over reckless driving and overspeeding in the city. Last year, a similar incident involving an intoxicated dumper truck near the Vishwakarma flyover had claimed 14 lives.