The idol of Bantra Byayam Samity was damaged when the truck carrying it to the pandal collided with a brick-laden truck in Howrah early on Wednesday. At least 25 people were injured in the mishap. “We are not in a position to think about the Pujas any longer. Three of our committee members are in a critical condition,” said a shocked member of the Bantra puja, in its 68th year.

Sources said the brick-laden truck, travelling at a high speed, crashed into the Byayam Samity truck. “Our truck was moving through the Bangabasi area when the accident took place. The idols of Ganesh and Kartick were damaged,” said the member. Bystanders rushed to the spot and helped remove the injured to hospital.

Seven people were taken to the Howrah State General Hospital, while 17 others were admitted to a local nursing home. Three of the injured, whose condition deteriorated, have been shifted to SSKM Hospital.

The accident threw traffic out of gear in Howrah. Additional superintendent of police Rajiv Kumar Mishra said the brick truck had been impounded. “But the driver could not be arrested as he had fled after the accident,” Mishra said.

nVIP Road mishap: A middle-aged woman was run over by a bus while trying to cross VIP Road near Baguiati on Wednesday night. Police said she tried to scurry across although the traffic constable had put up a stop sign. The bus sped away and residents of the area blocked the road for half an hour in protest. Airport-bound traffic was diverted along the other lane of the road.