RAIPUR: At least four young men died and two others were injured after their car crashed into a bridge railing and caught fire on National Highway 30 in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district around 1am on July 19.According to police, six youths were travelling in a Swift Dzire car.The group was heading towards Kanker when the car reached a diversion near an under-construction bridge.Eyewitnesses say the car was moving at high speed, and the driver lost control, crashing into the bridge’s railing. The impact triggered a fire, trapping four of the youths inside the vehicle.Two others managed to escape the flames, but sustained severe injuries.

They were immediately rushed to the district hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.Preliminary reports suggest the youths were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, police said. Witnesses also confirmed signs of intoxication among the victims.Among the six victims, five were reportedly from Kondagaon district, while one hailed from Kanker. The group had ventured out late at night for a drive.

Upon receiving the alert, local police and fire brigade teams rushed to the scene and brought the fire under control. Unfortunately, by the time help arrived, it was too late for the four trapped youths.SDOP Mohsin Khan told the reporters that police and a forensic team are investigating the site. The families of the deceased have been informed, and statements are being recorded from the survivors.Police are currently probing all angles, including unauthorised use of the vehicle, possible DUI (driving under the influence), and negligence.