Speeding Audi crashes into roadside stalls in Jaipur, one killed, 16 injured

A speeding luxury Audi car ploughed into pedestrians and roadside food stalls near Kharabas Circle in Jaipur’s Patrakar Colony late on Friday night, killing one person and injuring at least 15 to 16 others, police said. The incident occurred around 9.30 pm on Vande Matram Road, a busy stretch lined with street vendors and eateries, and triggered panic in the area.

According to police and eyewitnesses, the Audi was allegedly being driven at a very high speed and was racing another vehicle when it first hit a road divider, lost control and swerved into a service lane. The car rammed roadside stalls, food carts and pedestrians over a nearly 30-metre stretch before crashing into a tree and coming to a halt. More than 10 stalls were overturned, several parked vehicles were damaged and debris was scattered across the road. Police said around 50 people were present in the area at the time of the crash.

All the injured were initially taken to Jaipuria Hospital for primary treatment. Eight were admitted there, while others were shifted to private hospitals or returned home with family members after first aid. Four critically injured patients were later referred to Sawai Man Singh Hospital for advanced treatment. One of the injured, Ramesh Bairwa , a food stall helper and a resident of Bhilwara, later died during treatment.

Police said four people were travelling in the car and all were allegedly intoxicated at the time of the incident. One occupant, identified as Pappu , a resident of Renwal, was caught by local residents at the spot and handed over to police and has been arrested . The driver has been identified as Dinesh Rinwa, a businessman from Churu, who fled the scene along with two other occupants. Police said one of the absconding men is a Jaipur police constable. Teams have been formed to trace and arrest the three absconding accused.

The Audi, which was purchased a few months ago and is registered in the name of a charitable trust , has been seized. Police have recovered mobile phones and other items from inside the vehicle and are examining CCTV footage from the area as part of the investigation.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief over the death and directed officials to ensure proper and timely treatment for the injured. Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar visited Jaipuria Hospital to enquire about the condition of those injured and reviewed the medical arrangements.