Ranchi’s vibrant Dol Mela turned deadly when a runaway car tore through throngs of revelers, killing two and injuring 12. The accident struck at Mankidihpa in Tatisilwai, where the annual fair was in full swing with roadside vendors selling chaat, chowmein, toys, and more.
On the bustling third day, a high-speed car from Angara veered off course, slamming into the crowd without warning. Panic erupted as it struck multiple victims in quick succession. The deceased are Bhola Sharma and Reema Kumari, both from Angara. Injured include Pappu Saw, Sulochana Devi, Rashmi Kumari, Poonam Kumari, Aruna Ekka, Tara Devi, Roshni Kumari, Monika Devi, Ayush, and others.
Medical teams responded swiftly, transferring critical cases to RIMS while treating others locally. Enraged residents staged a roadblock at Bank Mor Chowk, halting traffic on key routes and calling for the driver’s prosecution and aid for victims’ kin.
Echoing a February crash where a Thar SUV caused one death and five injuries, this event underscores Ranchi’s reckless driving crisis. Festival crowds demand better policing, speed checks, and barriers to safeguard lives amid celebrations.