4 kids among 14 dead in Bihar mishap

Jitendra K Shrivastava

Patna, July 25

At least 14 persons, including four children, were killed and two others injured when a Muzaffarpur-bound bus collided with an auto-rickshaw in Muzaffapur district of Bihar on Monday. The injured were taken to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) for treatment.

Ten persons, including four children and three women, died on the spot, while the remaining died on their way to the hospital. The district administration has confirmed 10 deaths so far.

The locals blocked the Muzaffapur-Sitamarhi road (National Highway 77) and demanded Rs 10 lakh compensation for the next of kin of the deceased and cancellation of permits of speeding buses.

The bodies were sent to SKMCH for postmortem.

The state government has announced Rs 4 lakh compensation each for the kin.

Rakesh Kumar, a local resident, said: “Drivers of buses of two transport companies — Amar Jyoti and Sarovar Rath — drive recklessly.”