At least five killed as 'speeding' bus ploughs into crowd in 'hit-and-run'

A bus crashed into a crowd in Bihar, India, killing at least five people and injuring others, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred in a village near Lauriya on Friday evening, according to local police. The bus, which was reportedly speeding, lost control and struck pedestrians who had gathered for a ceremony. The crash happened around 11pm local time, with witnesses describing the scene as chaotic. The bus was traveling from Gorakhpur to Bettiah when it veered off course. A police official, Inderjeet Paswan, stated that the crowd had spilled onto the road while watching an orchestra performance. “Suddenly, a speeding bus en route to Bettiah from Gorakhpur lost control and ploughed into the gathering,” he said. As a result of the collision, two individuals died immediately at the scene, while three more succumbed to their injuries later at a nearby hospital. Several others were treated for non-life-threatening wounds. Initial reports indicated that the bus driver fled the scene before police could locate him. The driver abandoned the vehicle and disappeared, prompting authorities to launch a search operation. Law enforcement officials recovered the bus and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. The driver's identity has not yet been disclosed. The area affected by the crash is located in rural Bihar, known for its dense population and frequent traffic incidents. Local residents described the event as one of the worst tragedies to strike the region in recent years. “It was very frightening,” said one villager, speaking to reporters. “We were just enjoying the music when everything went wrong.” Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, deploying medical teams and police officers to assist the victims. Hospital staff reported that the injured were taken to a facility approximately two kilometers away. Despite efforts to stabilize the condition of the critically wounded, three individuals did not survive. The remaining casualties are recovering under observation. Authorities have begun collecting evidence and questioning witnesses to determine whether the bus was indeed speeding at the time of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that the vehicle exceeded the speed limit, contributing to the loss of control. Further investigations will assess whether negligence or mechanical failure played a role in the incident. In the wake of the tragedy, local leaders have called for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. “This incident highlights the urgent need for better infrastructure and awareness campaigns,” said a regional council member. “We must ensure that such a disaster does not happen again.” Meanwhile, families of the deceased are seeking answers and justice, with some demanding accountability from the transport authority responsible for maintaining the route.