Narrow escape for 3 cops as truck hits police vehicle in Patna

Patna: Three police personnel had a narrow escape when a speeding sand-laden truck rammed into their Dial 112 emergency response vehicle near Bhakri Bridge under the Dhanarua police station area in Patna early Saturday.

After hitting the police vehicle, the truck crashed into the railing and caught fire, while the driver fled the spot. The Dial 112 vehicle was damaged in the collision but did not catch fire.According to police, ASI Mohammad Aslam Qureshi, female constable Munni Kumari, and driver Dilip Kumar suffered minor injuries. They were taken to a nearby hospital, given first aid, and later discharged. Police arrested the truck’s cleaner, Pankaj Kumar, a resident of Jehanabad district.

He told police that he was asleep at the time of the accident and claimed the driver fled after the collision, saying it was not his fault.Dhanarua SHO Amit Kumar said the accident occurred between 1 am and 2 am when the truck was travelling from Masaurhi towards Beldarichak. “The sand-laden truck lost balance near the bridge, hit the police vehicle and then crashed into the railing. All four tyres caught fire after a loud screeching sound. A fire brigade team was called to douse the flames. All officers in the SUV are safe,” the SHO said.He added that an investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the accident, with over-speeding suspected as a key factor. Efforts are on to trace and arrest the absconding truck driver.