Lucknow: A speeding truck allegedly driven by an intoxicated driver crushed three people, including a 15-year-old cyclist, in a series of hit-and-run crashes spread across nearly 10 kilometres on Padrauna-Kaptanganj road in Kushinagar on Friday evening, police said.The driver allegedly continued speeding despite mowing down victims at three separate locations, triggering panic along the busy route for nearly 20 minutes.The deceased were identified as Motilal Yadav (36), a resident of Sonwal under Jataha police station limits; Chandresh Rajbhar (15) of Dhanauji Khas; and Subhash Pandey (28) of Rambar Buzurg village.The first accident took place around 7 pm near Bishunpura village in Padrauna Kotwali area. Motilal Yadav was returning home on his motorcycle when the speeding container truck hit and ran over him, killing him instantly.Instead of stopping, the driver continued towards Kaptanganj. A short distance ahead, near Chandarpur in Ramkola police station area, the truck struck Chandresh Rajbhar, who was cycling to his sister’s house in Gobarahi. The teenager also died on the spot.The truck’s deadly run continued up to Chandarpur-Gobarahi intersection, where it rammed into a motorcycle ridden by Subhash Pandey.The impact was so severe that the motorcycle became lodged beneath the container and was dragged for nearly 15 metres. Pandey died at the scene.As news of the incidents spread, residents gathered in large numbers and began chasing the truck, fearing it could cause more casualties.After a hot pursuit, locals intercepted the vehicle and overpowered the driver. Enraged residents allegedly assaulted him before handing him over to the police.Police said the driver, a native of Azamgarh district, sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment at a community health centre.
