An e-rickshaw fire on the Jamui-Sikandra main road in Bihar’s Jamui district injured two Class 12 students on Friday morning, with one girl suffering burns over approximately 80% of her body and being referred to Patna for advanced treatment. Police are investigating how the vehicle’s battery caught fire and the role of its driver, who allegedly fled the scene.
The incident occurred at around 10am as Neha Kumari, 17, Anjani Kumari, 17, and their friend Ruchi were returning to Bhagwana village in Jamui Sadar block after attending coaching classes. Six other passengers were also travelling in the e-rickshaw, according to the report.
The students said smoke began coming from the vehicle shortly after it crossed Mahisouri Chowk. They reportedly alerted the driver and asked him to stop. The students alleged that the driver continued driving while wearing earphones. Near Dr Neeraj Sah’s clinic, the battery allegedly exploded and the e-rickshaw caught fire.
The three students jumped from the moving vehicle to escape. Neha and Anjani sustained burn injuries, while Ruchi was not injured. Local residents took the injured students for medical treatment. Neha was first admitted to a private clinic and later shifted to Jamui Sadar Hospital. Doctors subsequently referred her to Patna because of the severity of her injuries. Anjani is receiving treatment at a private clinic.
Dr Neeraj Sah said Neha had burns over approximately 80% of her body and was in critical condition. The report said police and fire brigade personnel reached the location after being informed and brought the blaze under control.
The incident also places attention on the immediate safety chain around shared urban and semi-urban transport: how quickly drivers respond to signs of smoke, whether passengers can exit safely, and how emergency services are alerted when a vehicle catches fire on a busy road. In this case, the students said they noticed the smoke before the vehicle stopped, while the police investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding the battery failure and the driver’s actions.
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the battery explosion, the vehicle fire and the driver’s alleged conduct. The driver’s whereabouts were not immediately known, according to the report.
