At least eight people were killed in India’s most populous state of Uttar Pradesh after a speeding car mowed down a group of bystanders helping victims of a motorcycle crash.

Tragedy struck twice in a matter of minutes on the Akbar-Jalalpur road in Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkar Nagar at around 11.30 pm on Tuesday, police said.

The first incident occurred around midnight near the Ashrafpur Bhuwa brick kiln when two motorbikes collided head-on, leaving both riders critically injured, reported the Times of India, quoting police officials. Five minutes later, as locals rushed to the spot to assist the injured, a car approaching from Jalalpur ploughed into the crowd, leaving several people critically injured, according to reports, police said.

At least six people were brought dead to a local community health centre, while two others in a critical state were shifted to Tanda Medical College where they succumbed to their injuries, police said.

Prachi Singh, superintendent of police for Ambedkar Nagar, told the newspaper: “Responding to the calls of locals on UP 112 (emergency number), the Jalalpur circle officer, along with local police personnel, reached the scene and, with the help of locals, rushed the victims to the community health centre at Jalalpur Nagpur.”

While six victims were identified, efforts are underway to establish the identity of two more.

The victims were identified as Kaifi, Uttam Kumar, Aditya Kumar, Lalchand, Raju Gupta and Chottu.

Police have ordered an inquest, sending bodies for post-mortem examination.

Efforts are underway to trace the driver of the car who fled after the incident, said officials, adding that legal action has been taken.

It is unclear if anyone has been charged for the accident, or if the victims of bike accident were among the deceased.