A Class 12 student has been taken into custody after a speeding car crashed into an autorickshaw and pedestrians on Kanpur Road in the Banthra area of Uttar Pradesh, leaving a six-year-old boy dead and four others injured on Thursday evening.
Police said the student was returning from a school farewell party with a friend when the incident occurred around 6 pm. He allegedly abandoned his companion at the scene and fled with the vehicle after the collision.
Authorities revealed that the accused had borrowed the car from a friend and possesses a valid driving licence. Investigators are examining details related to his age and academic status, as the licence lists him as 21 years old despite being enrolled in Class 12. Officers are also questioning a girl believed to be a minor who was travelling with him.
The victims include Armaan (12), Awadh Bihari (42), Sadhna Verma (35), and Meena Devi (60), all of whom were rushed to the hospital. Dikshant Patel, six, succumbed to critical injuries during treatment. Police confirmed that the injured are now stable, with two already discharged.
CCTV footage circulating online appears to show the car moving at high speed before striking a motorcycle, then ploughing into an autorickshaw and multiple pedestrians, triggering panic in the busy market stretch.
Witnesses said the driver initially attempted to escape as bystanders tried to stop him, but he lost control and caused further injuries. The vehicle has since been seized.
Police added that locals detained the girl left behind at the scene and later handed over to authorities. During questioning, she reportedly helped identify the driver and their school as the investigation continues.

Speeding car hits pedestrians and auto; six-year-old dies, driver detained after fleeing

Student Held After Crash Kills Child in Lucknow

Speeding car hits pedestrians and auto; six-year-old dies, driver detained after fleeing

February 13, 2026 | 17:06 IST