Three persons were killed and seven injured when an overloaded eight-seater autorickshaw overturned off a flank of NH12 near Ahiran village in Murshidabad’s Suti on Thursday morning.
The accident occurred around 9am and reportedly involved no other vehicles. Police said prima facie, the accident was the result of a mechanical failure.
“The autorickshaw was carrying a party of nine plus the driver, who were returning from an ayurveda clinic in Dhulian to their native place at Kashiadanga in Raghunathganj. All occupants of the auto were neighbours,” said a police source, adding two persons had died on the spot.
A third succumbed to the injuries on the way to the Jangipur subdivisional hospital, where they were rushed in vehicles arranged for by eyewitnesses. The auto has been seized by Suti police.
The deceased were Sanyasi Pramanik, 58, Rejina Biwi, 36 and Bhaduri Biwi, 55.
“The accident seems to be the result of unexpected mechanical failure. So, no case has been started as of yet. Further investigations are underway,” said a police source in Suti. “The vehicle reportedly flipped twice after tipping off the flank, which is what may have caused grievous injuries to passengers.”
Seven persons are admitted to the subdivisional hospital, which is 15km from the accident site. Doctors said they were stable.