Khunti, Jharkhand: At least seven people, including four women and three children, were killed in a horrific road accident in Jharkhand's Khunti district on Thursday night. A speeding 10-wheeler truck allegedly ran over a group of people who had gathered to help an injured scooter rider.

The accident took place around 10 PM near the Zone Ludru bend on the Karra-Torpa road under Karra police station limits.

According to reports, a scooter rider lost control of his vehicle and crashed into bushes near the roadside. Hearing the sound of the accident, local residents rushed out of their homes and gathered at the spot to rescue the injured rider.

Meanwhile, a 10-wheeler truck coming from the Torpa side allegedly ploughed into the crowd before fleeing the scene.

The deceased have been identified as Jayanti Devi, wife of Birsa Nayak; her daughter Anjali Devi (20); Anjali's 11-month-old son Saurabh Nayak; Manhu Devi; Pako Devi (60); Golu Kumar (12); and Tuti Kumari (6).

Birsa Nayak's five-year-old daughter, Khushbu Kumari, sustained critical injuries in the accident. She is currently undergoing treatment at Khunti Sadar Hospital.

Following the incident, tension prevailed in the area. Local residents informed the Karra police, who rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to Khunti Sadar Hospital. Doctors subsequently declared seven people dead.

Police have initiated an investigation into the incident. The truck driver allegedly fled after the accident, and efforts are underway to trace the vehicle and identify those responsible.