Two persons, including a national-level javelin thrower, were killed when an autorickshaw got sandwiched between a Haryana Roadways bus and canter in central Delhi’s Mandir Marg on Thursday, police said.
The victims have been identified as 20-year-old javelin thrower Abhishek and autorickshaw driver Jasvinder, 60. According to police, Abhishek’s friend Brijesh, 20, and a motorcyclist were also injured. Brijesh is a national level hammer thrower.
“Abhishek and Brijesh, both students of a government college in Haryana’s Bhiwani district, had hired the autorickshaw at Vande Mataram Road near Mandir Marg at around 2.15 pm,” a police officer said.
The autorickshaw was moving towards Karol Bagh with a Haryana Roadways bus plying in front and being followed by a canter.
An initial police probe revealed that the bus slow down due to traffic outside schools in Pusa Road.
“The autorickshaw also slowed down, but the canter did not,” the officer added.
The canter rammed into the autorickshaw and subsequently the autorickshaw was crushed between the bus and canter.
Police was informed after which the injured were rushed to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.
“Abhishek and Jasvinder were declared brought dead,” the officer said. Brijesh was discharged after first-aid treatment.
A case of rash driving, causing hurt and causing death by negligence has been registered with Mandir Marg police station.
The drivers of the bus and canter were arrested from the spot, while the vehicles involved were impounded.
Investigating officers, who visited the spot, said that the driver of the canter was speeding. “There was a traffic jam in the area due to school hours, but initial probe has revealed that the canter driver was at fault,” the officer said.
The accused, however, put the blame on the bus driver for unnecessarily hitting the brakes.