From correspondents in Jharkhand, India, 06:30 PM IST

Three people died and 17 were injured when a truck carrying 22 people fell into a ditch in Jharkhand Thursday, the police said.

The incident occurred in Gumla district, some 140 km from Ranchi.

The people on board the truck were going to Gumla for Dussehra celebrations.

The driver of the truck lost control over the vehicle and hit a roadside tree and the truck fell into a ditch, the police said.

Three person died on the spot and 17 were injured.

Seven of the injured are said to be in critical condition. The injured have been admitted to a hospital in Gumla district.

According to the police, the driver managed to run away after the accident.

According to passengers, the truck driver was in an inebriated condition.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)