Lucknow: A 30-year-old woman and a toddler were killed and six children injured after a speeding SUV collided head-on with a CNG auto-rickshaw in Gonda district on Monday evening.The accident occurred around 4.30 pm near Para turn between Bargadi and Chachri villages on the Chachri–Shahpur road under Karnailganj police station limits. The collision mangled the auto-rickshaw, trapping several passengers inside.Local residents who heard the crash rushed to the spot and helped pull out the injured before police reached the scene. The victims were taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Karnailganj.Doctors declared Sanno (30), wife of Riyaz Ali, and one-and-a-half-year-old Riyaz, son of Hussain, dead on arrival. Six children travelling in the auto—Zeenat (8), Shahid (10), Meena (5), Hina (5), Siraj (12) and Fiza (8)—sustained injuries. After first aid, they were referred to the district hospital, where two children were reported to be in serious condition.Family members said residents of Shahpur Dhanawa village in the Parsapur area had hired the auto-rickshaw to attend a wedding function in Sakraura locality of Karnailganj. Sanno was travelling with children from her family and in-laws.Police said the SUV was travelling from Karnailganj towards Chachri-Parsapur when it hit the oncoming auto near Para Mod. Relatives alleged the SUV was being driven recklessly and swerving, and claimed the auto driver moved towards the roadside to avoid impact but was struck.The SUV driver sustained minor injuries and was taken into custody. Police seized the vehicle. Circle officer Anand Rai said eight passengers were in the auto and that further legal action would follow the investigation.
