Five people were killed and several others injured when a speeding car collided with an auto-rickshaw near the Jain temple in Thatipur, Gwalior, police said on Friday. The incident occurred around 3:00 AM, beginning when the car first hit another vehicle near the bus stand, prompting a police pursuit by a First Response Vehicle (FRV). Despite being chased, the driver continued to drive recklessly at high speed. The car eventually struck an auto-rickshaw carrying nine passengers, causing it to crash into a tree.

Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Atul Kumar Soni stated that the collision occurred near the Jain temple, ahead of the Parshuram intersection. The auto-rickshaw passengers were returning from the Sheetla Mata Temple at the time. Of the nine occupants, five died at the scene, while the remaining four were admitted to the Trauma Centre for treatment. The deceased were all residents of Suresh Nagar, Thatipur, and some from Murar, and belonged to the same family. Post-mortem procedures are currently underway.

The driver of the speeding vehicle, who was alone in the car, fled the scene after the initial collision but was later apprehended by the police. Family members of the victims have alleged that the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol. CSP Soni confirmed that the driver is in police custody and has been sent for a medical examination to determine if alcohol was involved. Police investigations into the accident are ongoing, with authorities examining all circumstances surrounding the crash and the actions of the driver prior to the collision. This tragic accident highlights the dangers of reckless driving, particularly in the early hours, and has left a family mourning the loss of multiple members while several others recover from serious injuries.