Accident – Six-Year-Old Killed After Student’s Car Hits Pedestrians in Banthra
Accident – A tragic road accident in Lucknow’s Banthra area claimed the life of a six-year-old boy and left four others injured late Thursday evening. Police confirmed that a 21-year-old student, who was returning from a farewell gathering, lost control of the vehicle he was driving, leading to the fatal collision.
Child Dies After Suffering Critical Injuries
The young victim, identified as Dikshant Patel, had been walking with his mother Sadhna, 35, and grandmother Meena Devi, 60, both residents of Unnao. According to officials, the child sustained a severe head injury when the car struck pedestrians near a local temple. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Sadhna and Meena Devi were also hurt in the incident. Three other individuals — Arman, Pramod Kumar, and Awadh Bihari — suffered injuries of varying degrees and are currently undergoing medical care. Authorities have stated that their condition is stable.
CCTV Footage Captures the Collision
Surveillance cameras installed in the area recorded the sequence of events. The footage, now in police possession, shows the car first colliding with an autorickshaw before veering toward pedestrians. The impact occurred close to the Hanuman temple in Banthra, a location that typically sees steady foot traffic in the evening hours.
Police officers seized the vehicle involved in the crash shortly after the incident. The driver was later detained for questioning.
Student Was Returning From Farewell Event
Investigators revealed that the accused is a student who had attended a school farewell function earlier that day. During the initial inquiry, police learned that he had borrowed a friend’s car to travel to the event. After the gathering concluded, he reportedly began dropping his classmates at their respective homes.
Three of his friends had already been dropped off safely. The accident occurred while he was on his way to leave the fourth passenger at his destination.
Authorities said preliminary findings suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle moments before the crash. The car first struck an autorickshaw and then moved toward people walking nearby.
Driver Claims Tyre Burst Caused Crash
According to Rajnish Sharma, Assistant Commissioner of Police in Lucknow, the student has claimed that one of the car’s tyres burst suddenly, leading to the loss of control. “The vehicle belongs to his friend. We have detained the driver and taken the car into custody. Further technical inspection will be carried out,” Sharma said.
Police have registered a case at the Banthra police station under sections related to rash and negligent driving. Officials indicated that the mechanical condition of the car will be examined to verify the driver’s statement.
Attempt to Flee After Incident
Shortly after the crash, the accused allegedly attempted to escape from the scene. Witnesses reported that he abandoned the damaged vehicle and left with a companion. Law enforcement teams began a search operation and tracked him down later, taking him into custody.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns around road safety and responsible driving, particularly among young motorists. Police officials have urged drivers to exercise caution and follow traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies.
Further investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events and establish accountability in the case.