Eight injured as electric auto falls from NH-39 overbridge in Singrauli

Eight people were injured when an electric auto-rickshaw packed with passengers fell about 20 feet from an overbridge on National Highway-39 in the Bargawan police station area of Singrauli district around 3 pm on Wednesday. Two of the injured are said to be in serious condition. All have been admitted to the trauma centre in Baidhan.

The auto was carrying passengers from the Chitrangi area to Bargawan railway station. They were to travel to another state for labour work and had to catch a train from the station. The accident happened before they reached it.

According to the information available, the auto went out of control on the overbridge, crossed the railing and fell. People nearby helped pull the injured out of the vehicle and informed the police.

Bargawan station in-charge Anil Patel gave the names of the injured. They include Ramlal (48) of Kanhar, whose father is Parsottam, and Murli Kol (32) of Chatka, son of Jaytu Kol. Pappu Baiga (42) of Jhigudah is the son of Balram. Munna Baiga (24) of Chakri is the son of Rampyare. Santram Baiga (22) of Kanhur is the son of Parsottam. Dindayal Vaishya (43), also of Kanhar, was injured as well; his father is Mata Prasad.

According to the station in-charge, two more people were found unconscious. All the injured have been taken to hospital.

Preliminary information indicates that the electric auto was carrying more passengers than its capacity. It is suspected that this may have upset its balance. However, the actual cause of the accident is not yet clear. The police will take further action after recording the statements of the injured.