A speeding Mercedes struck two youths outside a club in Chandigarh's Sector 26 on Saturday evening, leaving one in critical condition. The driver fled the scene immediately after the accident, and police are probing whether the driver was a minor, based on viral video footage and eyewitness accounts.
Accident Details and Immediate Response
The incident occurred around 8:30 PM when the two youths were stepping out of a club in Sector 26. According to eyewitnesses, the Mercedes was traveling at high speed and hit the victims with such force that they were thrown several feet onto the road. Bystanders rushed to help after hearing the loud crash and called for an ambulance.
Local residents took the injured to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Sector 32. One of the victims is reported to be in critical condition, while the other is stable. Hospital sources confirmed that the critical patient is undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit.
Police Investigation and Viral Video
Chandigarh police reached the spot soon after receiving information and have launched a thorough investigation. A video of the accident, captured by a nearby CCTV camera, has gone viral on social media. It clearly shows the Mercedes speeding and hitting the two individuals before disappearing from the scene.
Police are analyzing the video to identify the vehicle's registration number and the driver. Preliminary reports suggest that the car may have been driven by a minor, but officials have not confirmed this. "We are verifying all leads, including the age of the driver. The car has been traced, and we are questioning the owner," said a senior police officer.
Impact and Public Reaction
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who have demanded stricter action against reckless driving and underage driving. Many have called for enhanced road safety measures in the area, especially near clubs and entertainment venues. The club management has also been questioned by police.
According to traffic police data, Chandigarh has seen a rise in hit-and-run cases in recent months. In 2025, the city reported over 120 such incidents, a 15% increase from the previous year. This accident has once again highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and penalties for hit-and-run drivers.
Legal and Safety Measures
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, hit-and-run cases can lead to imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine. If the driver is found to be a minor, the vehicle owner and parents could also face legal action. Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Chandigarh traffic police have announced a special drive to check underage driving and speeding in the coming weeks. "We will deploy more personnel and install additional speed cameras in vulnerable areas," a police spokesperson said. The victims' families have appealed for justice and better road safety.
