Patna, June 17 (IANS) A dumper truck driver lost his life, and a helper sustained serious injuries in a road accident near the Barsoni Toll Plaza under the jurisdiction of Dagarua Police Station in Bihar’s Purnea district, said officials on Wednesday.

The incident on Tuesday night sparked protests by fellow truck drivers, who gathered at the hospital and demanded compensation for the deceased driver’s family.

According to the injured helper, Usman Sheikh, the dumper had transported stone chips from Pakur in Jharkhand to the airport construction site in Purnea.

After unloading the material, the vehicle was returning to Pakur when a speeding container truck allegedly rammed into the dumper from behind near the toll plaza.

The impact was severe, crushing the front portion of the dumper and trapping both occupants inside the cabin.

With assistance from local residents and police personnel, both injured men were rescued and taken to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Purnea, for treatment.

Doctors later declared the driver dead during treatment.

The deceased has been identified as Mukaddar Hussain, son of Aki Sheikh and a resident of Ajna village in Pakur district, Jharkhand.

The injured helper, Usman Sheikh, a resident of Ramchandrapur village in Pakur district, is reported to be out of danger.

Following news of the driver’s death, a large number of truck drivers and local residents gathered at the GMCH premises.

The drivers expressed grief over the loss of their colleague and urged the administration to provide adequate compensation and support to the victim’s family.

Police from Dagarua Police Station reached the hospital after receiving information about the accident.

Officials conducted an inquest, sent the body for post-mortem examination, and have begun investigating the circumstances leading to the collision.

Police are examining evidence and statements to determine the exact cause of the accident and identify any negligence involved.

An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of rash and negligent driving against the errant container driver in Dagarua police station, and efforts are on to arrest him.

–IANS

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