Ramgarh: A family reunion during Durga Puja ended in tragedy for a Hazaribag family on after three of its members were killed, and one other was critically in a road accident on the Ranchi-Patna stretch of NH-33 in Chutupalu valley in the intervening hours of Sunday and Monday.The victims were identified as Priyanshu Chakraborty (70), retired bank employee, his son Pranay (35) and daughter-in-law Pronayi (32). Priyanshu’s wife Reena (60) sustained injuries, while Raju Kumar, the driver, was referred to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi with critical injuries.Police said Priyanshu and Reena had travelled to Ranchi to receive their son and daughter in-law, who had arrived at Birsa Munda airport from Bengaluru hours ago to celebrate Durga Puja with the family. As they were returning to Hazaribag, a truck loaded with steel bars rammed into their car in Chutupalu Valley. The impact crushed the vehicle, leaving it mangled beyond recognition.A police team reached the spot and began rescue operation. Pranay and Pronayi died on the spot, while Priyanshu was taken to Ramgarh Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. Reena suffered minor injuries and is undergoing treatment.Ramgarh police station officer in-charge Gajendra Kumar Pandey said, “The truck hit the car from behind. Police have initiated further investigation into the incident.”The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the safety concerns in Chutupalu Valley, a stretch notorious for frequent accidents involving heavy vehicles. Sharp bends, steep gradients and instances of brake failure have contributed to numerous fatal crashes over the years. Despite measures taken by the district administration and the National Highways Authority of India, accidents continue to occur in the valley.
