Lucknow was shaken by a devastating road accident on Thursday evening when a speeding car driven by a Class 12 student ploughed into pedestrians near the Hanuman Temple on Kanpur Road in the Banthra area, killing a young child and injuring several others. The crash has sparked widespread shock, outrage, and fresh debate about underage driving and road safety in the city.

What Happened? A Terrifying Crash Near a Busy Roadside Stall

The tragedy unfolded around 6 pm when a Maruti Swift Dzire, reportedly driven at high speed, lost control and first hit an auto‑rickshaw before ramming into a group of people standing near a roadside food stall. Eyewitnesses say the impact was so violent that victims were thrown onto the road, and chaos erupted as people tried to rescue them.

CCTV footage later circulated on social media shows the car veering off the road and striking pedestrians a chilling visual that has devastated many onlookers.

The Victims: A Child Lost and Injuries Across Ages

Among the victims was six‑year‑old Dikshant Patel, who suffered critical injuries after being hit and was rushed to a hospital by locals. Despite medical efforts, he later died, leaving his family and the community heartbroken.

Five others were also injured, including:

  • A 12‑year‑old boy named Armaan

  • Two women, Sadhna Patel and Meena Devi

  • E‑rickshaw driver Awadh Bihari

All injured victims are reported to be in stable condition and receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities.

The Driver: A Class 12 Student Arrested After Fleeing the Scene

Police identified the driver as Gaurav Singh, a Class 12 student from the Ballukheda area of Unnao district. Reports suggest he had borrowed the vehicle and was returning from a school farewell event with a female friend when the crash occurred.

According to officials, both the driver and the female passenger are minors. After the collision, the teenager initially fled the scene, dropping his friend at a separate location, but was later tracked down and arrested by Lucknow Police. The vehicle has been seized for investigation, and authorities are examining its documents.

Police say legal proceedings are underway under relevant sections dealing with rash and negligent driving.

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Why the Incident Has Sparked Outrage

This accident has ignited strong reactions across the region, with many people condemning not just the reckless driving itself but the fact that someone so young was behind the wheel of a high‑speed car in a busy public area. The Hanuman Temple stretch on Kanpur Road is known for heavy foot traffic in the evenings, especially near local food stalls, making such crash risks even greater.

Concerns are also growing about how minors are gaining access to vehicles and the lack of strict enforcement of road safety laws in and around urban areas like Lucknow.

What Happens Next? Investigation and Response

Police have registered a case at Banthra police station and are questioning the driver and witnesses. They are also looking into whether the student was under the influence or driving unlicensed, and whether the vehicle was legally owned or insured.

Authorities have appealed for calm, urging people to let the investigation run its course while promising strict action. Community leaders and local residents, however, are calling for stricter road safety enforcement and measures to prevent minors from driving.