Khunti, Jharkhand – A tragic road accident late Wednesday night near Dodma Bazaar Tand on the Khunti-Simdega main road resulted in the death of two individuals, including a church priest, while another priest sustained serious injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Father Sushil Praveen Tidu from Dodma Vishunpur and Sunil Bhengra from Dodma. Father Jonson Bhengra, who was critically injured in the crash, was rushed to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, after receiving initial treatment at the local hospital. His condition remains critical.
The accident occurred around 11 PM when a car collided at high speed with a truck moving ahead. The impact was so severe that the front part of the car was completely damaged, trapping the occupants inside. Locals and passersby quickly arrived at the scene upon hearing the crash and assisted in rescue efforts, extracting the injured and transporting them to the Khunti district hospital by ambulance.
Medical officials at the hospital declared Father Sushil Praveen Tidu and Sunil Bhengra dead on arrival. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, Father Jonson Bhengra was referred to RIMS, Ranchi for advanced medical care.
The police from Torpa police station promptly reached the accident site, cleared the wreckage to restore traffic flow, and initiated an investigation. The truck driver is being questioned as authorities probe the cause of the collision.
Preliminary reports suggest that high speed and poor visibility in the dark may have contributed to the accident. The news has deeply saddened the church community and local residents. The bodies have been sent for postmortem examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
(Daily Kiran)