JAIPUR: A speeding Audi created chaos in Jaipur on Friday night after going out of control in the crowded Mansarovar area, running over pedestrians and roadside food stalls, police said. One person died on the spot, while four others sustained serious injuries, including three in critical condition.
The incident occurred around 9:30 pm near Kharbas Circle under the Patrakar Colony police station limits. According to police and eyewitnesses, the Audi, reportedly racing with another vehicle at an estimated speed of 120 kmph, hit a divider before losing control and ploughing into food stalls along a stretch of nearly 30 metres. More than 50 people were present at the scene, and around 18 were reportedly run over by the vehicle.
Three occupants of the Audi, including the driver, remain absconding. One of them is reportedly a Jaipur police constable. A fourth, identified as Pappu from Renwal, was apprehended by the public at the scene and handed over to police. Preliminary reports indicate all four occupants were intoxicated at the time of the accident.
A wounded man, recounting the incident, said, "We were a few people sitting outside and eating when suddenly there was a loud noise from behind, and a car hit us. The accident happened so fast that we couldn't understand what was happening." According to eyewitnesses and CCTV footage, the car was traveling at a speed of over 100-120 km/h.
Eyewitnesses said the Audi, while racing, went out of control after hitting a divider and continued to ram into more than a dozen roadside stalls over a stretch of nearly 30 metres. People sitting near the stalls were caught off guard and crushed under the speeding vehicle.
Upon receiving information, Muhana police rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to Jaipuria Hospital for immediate medical assistance. Eight injured were treated at Jaipuria Hospital, while four were taken to private hospitals by their families. Four others returned home after receiving first aid. The critically injured have been admitted to SMS Hospital and Jaipuria Hospital.
The Audi involved in the accident has been seized. Police said the vehicle is registered in Daman and Diu. A detailed investigation is underway, and teams have been formed to trace and arrest the absconding accused.
Pappu, a resident of Renwal who was apprehended at the scene, told police that the Audi was being driven by Dinesh Ranwa, a resident of Churu. He said Dinesh had called him to Kharbas Circle on Friday night and that two other persons were also present in the car. Pappu stated that after reaching the spot, Dinesh began racing with another car, following which the accident occurred.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, who was in Jodhpur, issued immediate instructions to city officials and hospital authorities. Medical Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar and Deputy Chief Minister Dr Premchand Bairwa visited the hospitals and accident site to assess the situation. MLA Gopal Sharma and senior officials from the Chief Minister’s Office also reached the hospitals.
The incident has reignited concerns over unchecked speeding in Jaipur. Last year, a similar accident near the Vishwakarma 14 Number flyover at Lohamandi killed 14 people when a speeding, intoxicated dumper truck ran over pedestrians.