Speeding SUV mows down 7 people in Patiala's Patran; one dead, six injured

Patiala, August 4

One person was killed while six others were injured after a speeding SUV allegedly driven by a student hit them in Patran town here on Sunday.

Two students, occupants of the Mahindra Thar bearing a Uttar Pradesh registration number, were detained following the incident, said officials. The SUV recklessly hit seven people, resulting in death of a person with serious injuries to two of them, they added.

The accused, suspected to be underage, are natives of Dirba in Sangrur and were out for a drive when the mishap occurred near the Truck Union in Patran, said officials.

Police post in charge Karnail Singh said, “We have shifted seven injured to the hospital, of which two were referred to the Government Rajindra Hospital as they suffered grievous injuries. One of them identified as Tarsem (50) has died.”

“The two suspects were handed over to us by the local residents and we are trying to ascertain their claims,” he stated.

Some onlookers to the incident said the SUV driver was driving at a high speed and first hit two persons on the road, followed by two bike-borne youths. Later, the SUV crashed into a kiosk of a hairdresser injuring those sitting inside.

Officials said further investigation in the matter is under way and they are verifying details of the occupants and the SUV registration.