Child killed, 6 hurt as car rams into devotees in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer: A seven-year-old child died and six others injured when a car rammed into a group of devotees from Pali who were walking on the road after darshan at Baba Ramdev's temple near Nokha intersection under Ramdevra police station area of Jaisalmer Wednesday.The deceased has been identified as Mahir, a resident of Pali. Ramdevra police station senior sub-inspector Prataaparam said a car coming from Ramdevra struck six pedestrian devotees returning from the temple. The vehicle then went out of control and crashed into a tin shed pole nearby. Mahir died on the spot. Six people, including the driver, were injured, he said. Police identified the injured driver as Banshilal (69), a resident of Veeramdevra (Ramdevra). Those injured also included Mahir's mother, Lalita, his brothers, Riyan (2), and Vivaan (3.5), and Sumitra (32) and Varsha (10), residents of Jhanwariya (Pali). Eyewitness Poonam Singh said a cow suddenly came in front of the car and while trying to avoid it, the driver steered the vehicle to one side. During this, Mahir came under the car. The vehicle then hit the remaining devotees before crashing into the tin shed pole. Police said the injured were taken to Ramdevra Hospital and later referred to Pokhran District Hospital. Police are investigating the case.