Truck runs over devotees in Jharkhand, 3 killed

Three persons, including a woman, were killed and ten others sustained serious injuries on Monday when a speeding truck ran over them in Dumka district, a police officer said.

The victims, all residents of Kurma village in Banka district of neighbouring Bihar, were on their way to Babadham temple in Deoghar around 3am when they were mowed down by the truck on Deoghar-Godda Main road in Saraiyahat Police Station area, Inspector Anil Kumar said.

All injured were taken to a nearby community health centre, where the doctors, following preliminary treatment, referred them to sadar hospital in Deoghar, he said.

"One of the devotees was killed on spot and two others succumbed to their injuries during the course of treatment. Of the ten injured, the condition of four was stated to be critical," he said.

The truck driver managed to escape with his vehicle following the incident, Kumar said, adding that a team of police officers are looking for him.