Four people were killed and eight others injured as a speeding truck crashed into a roadside eatery in Bihar's Vaishali district on Wednesday, police said.

The incident happened around 1 pm near Bahuara crossing in Patepur police station area, they said.

Four people died on the spot, while eight injured were taken to a nearby hospital, said Ramashankar Kumar, the station house officer (SHO) of Patepur.

Of the eight injured, the conditions of four people are critical and they have been referred to the Patna Medical College and Hospital for better treatment, he said.

Efforts are on to ascertain the identities of the deceased persons and the victims, he added.

"The driver of the truck managed to flee from the spot immediately after the accident. It is suspected that the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit the eatery. The truck has been seized and the matter is being investigated," the officer said.

Following the accident, a man was thrashed by the mob at the spot as they suspected him to be the driver. He was rescued by the police.

Condoling the deaths, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased.

Kumar said he was deeply shocked on getting to know about the deaths. He instructed officials concerned to ensure that all injured persons get good treatment.