Patna, June 8 : At least four people lost their lives while one person was injured after an SUV lost control and plunged into the Son canal on Monday in Bihar's Arwal district.

The occupants were returning to Patna after meeting a local MLA when the tragic accident occurred around 12.15 a.m.

According to an official of Arwal police, five people from Amhara village under the Bihta police station area of Patna district had travelled to Arwal in the SUV.

While they were returning home, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle at a sharp turn, causing it to veer off the road and fall into the canal.

The driver managed to escape by breaking the vehicle's window and raising an alarm, prompting local residents to rush to the spot and begin rescue efforts.

The deceased have been identified as Rishank Kumar, Aman Kumar, and Manoj Kumar, while the identity of one more victim is yet to be confirmed.

The lone survivor, Rohit Kumar, was rescued by local residents and the rescue team and has been admitted to the Sadar Hospital for treatment. His condition is said to be critical.

After receiving information about the incident, police personnel, divers, and administrative officials reached the spot and launched a rescue operation.

The recovery of the vehicle and victims was hampered by darkness and the depth of the canal.

The bodies have been taken into police custody and sent for post-mortem examination.

Authorities have initiated further investigation into the accident.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the area, with grieving family members of the victims gathering at the accident site and the hospital.

All the deceased are residents of Patna district.

This accident has once again raised an alarm about how unsafe driving is on roads at night. Local residents demanded better road regulation in the area to prevent such a fatal accident.

/IANS