A tragic road accident in Jiangsu Province has sparked outrage after an elderly couple working as street cleaners were killed when a speeding car allegedly ploughed into them before the driver fled the scene.
The fatal crash occurred at about 6.25am on June 15 along Guanhe Road in Guannan County, Lianyungang City.
According to local reports, the victims, both in their 60s and husband and wife, were carrying out their routine cleaning duties by the roadside when a private car travelling at high speed crashed into them.
Witnesses claimed the vehicle was already pushing the wreckage of a badly damaged van at the time of the collision before slamming into the couple and their cleaning tricycle.
Photos from the scene showed extensive damage to the car, while the van was reduced to twisted metal. Debris from the cleaners’ vehicle was scattered across the road.
One eyewitness who was waiting at a nearby traffic light said he first heard a loud bang before a piece of debris flew past his vehicle.
“Less than two seconds later, the car slammed into the rear of my vehicle with tremendous force,” he said.
After getting out to inspect the scene, he discovered that the two cleaners had been thrown a considerable distance from the impact.
The witness further alleged that there were three young occupants inside the vehicle — one man and two women.
According to his account, the male driver immediately got out of the car and fled the scene after the crash.
Meanwhile, one of the women who remained at the scene was allegedly heavily intoxicated and claimed she had been driving the vehicle.
The claim has fuelled speculation that an attempt may have been made to shield the actual driver from responsibility.
Paramedics later arrived at the scene but reportedly confirmed that both victims had already succumbed to their injuries.
Local authorities subsequently confirmed that the deceased were a married couple employed by the county’s sanitation department.
Nearby residents described the pair as friendly and hardworking individuals who lived and worked in the area for many years.
Police have since launched a full investigation and are actively searching for the man believed to have fled the scene.
Authorities are also conducting alcohol tests and verifying statements provided by the woman who claimed to be the driver.
Officials said a formal report on the cause of the accident and investigation findings will be released once inquiries are completed.
The case has generated widespread anger online, with many members of the public calling for those responsible to be held fully accountable and for justice to be delivered to the victims’ family.
