Four including 3 school students killed in road accident in Jharkhand's Ramgarh

The parents of the children alleged that despite the government order of closure of schools till January 13 in view of the severe cold situation in the state, the private school had stayed open.

Ramgarh: At least four people including three school children were killed after their autorickshaw collided with a potato-laden truck in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district on Wednesday morning, police said.

Four students were also injured in the accident. They were admitted to Sadar hospital for treatment, the police said.

The incident occurred near Mathuatand village in the Gola police station area, around 50 km from Jharkhand's capital Ranchi, around 8 am, they said.

"Three school children who were travelling in the auto were killed and the driver of the vehicle was also killed in the accident," Ramgarh Superintendent of Police Ajay Kumar told PTI.

Ramgarh sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Parmeshwar Prasad said that the truck overturned after hitting the auto.

"Four students were also injured in the accident. They have been admitted to Sadar hospital," he said.

Deputy Superintendent of Sadar hospital Dr Mrityunjay Kumar Singh said that four injured students were brought to the hospital, of which one has been referred to RIMS in Ranchi.

Parents of some students said that the children, around 10 years of age, were on their way to their school.

The private school remained open, despite the government order of closure of schools till January 13 in view of the severe cold situation in the state, they alleged.

Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner Chandan Kumar said that they would examine how the school was functioning in violation of government order and take action.

Meanwhile, irate residents blocked the Ramgarh-Bokaro national highway 23 in protest against the accident.