Death of five in accidentsparks violence in Siwan

PATNA: Five persons died and another five were injured on Monday morning when a speeding autorickshaw carrying students aged 18-20 years collided head-on with a pickup van at Tibheriya village in Siwan district, triggering violence in the area. An irate mob blocked roads and torched vehicles at Siwan sadar hospital following the alleged lack of medical facility there.
The autorickshaw was carrying students to Siwan to attend their coaching classes. While two persons died on the spot, including the auto conductor, two others died on their way to Patna after being referred there for better treatment, said police. Another injured student, Sharvesh Singh, taken to a private hospital at Gorakhpur in UP, also died a few hours later.
Siwan SP Vikash Burman said four accident victims have been identified as Mohammad Sajid, son of Mohamad Wasim, a resident of Chkakka tola; Shailesh Kumar, a resident of Rampur; Pappu Khan, son of Sahid Khan, a resident of Murgia tola under Badharia police station; and Shyam Kant Paswan, son of Ramashish Paswan, a resident of Motihari. "The injured were taken to the nearest Siwan sadar hospital, about 15-16km from the accident spot," said Siwan ASP Ashok Sinha.
Peeved over lack of medical facilities and absence of doctors at the sadar hospital, irate locals indulged in arson. "The angry mob torched beds, furniture and vehicles when the only doctor present at the hospital referred the injured to private hospitals. Around seven vehicles, including an ambulance and cars belonging to hospital staff were damaged. They also damaged the doors and windows of the hospital," said ASP Sinha. The police reached the hospital premises and pacified the mob.
The district administration has announced a compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh to the family of each deceased. Most of the seven injured are stated to be in serious condition.
Siwan police have arrested three persons in connection with the arson and vandalism and lodged an FIR against unidentified people in this regard.