12-year-old killed as drunk driver’s car ploughs into pedestrians in Assam's Margherita

A 12-year-old girl was killed, and her mother left critically injured after a speeding car allegedly driven under the influence of alcohol hit them in central Margherita town in Assam late on Tuesday, December 30, just hours before New Year celebrations.

The accident occurred around 9.30 pm at Hillview when a high-speed Swift Dzire rammed into Rita Tanti and her daughter Nikita Tanti as they were walking along the road. The vehicle reportedly lost control after the impact and crashed into a roadside wall.

Police said the car, bearing registration number PB 02 DA 1572, was being driven recklessly. Several occupants of the vehicle also sustained injuries in the crash.

Locals rushed the injured to Margherita FRU/Civil Hospital. Nikita Tanti succumbed to her injuries during treatment, while her mother remains in a critical condition, doctors said.

The youths accused of causing the accident have been identified as Harshit and Ayush, both 18-year-old residents of Margherita in Tinsukia district. Further investigation is underway.