Fortuner Identified In Hit-And-Run Case That Killed Marathon Legend Fauja Singh

Police have identified the white Toyota Fortuner involved in the hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of 114-year-old marathon icon Fauja Singh on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway. The vehicle, registered in Punjab, was traced through CCTV footage. Authorities are now working to locate the driver, who remains at large nearly 24 hours after the incident.

Several teams have been mobilized to track down the suspect. Singh sustained critical head injuries in the crash and later succumbed at the hospital.

Fauja Singh, affectionately known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” was a global inspiration. Born on April 1, 1911, he lived through monumental events — including two world wars, multiple pandemics, and the Partition of India.

He moved to England in the 1990s to be with his son. Following personal tragedies — the deaths of his son Kuldip and his wife — Singh turned to long-distance running for solace and purpose.

At 89, he completed his first marathon in London in 2000, astonishing the world. He later participated in marathons in Toronto, New York, and more. His age never deterred him — he ran competitively well past 100.

Singh also carried the Olympic torch at both the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Games. He appeared in a major international sports brand ad alongside David Beckham and Muhammad Ali.

In 2012, Malaysia hosted the “Chardikala Run” themed “101 and Running” in his honour. That same year, he received the prestigious BrandLaureate Award.

Singh ran the 2013 Hong Kong Marathon, completing it in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds. Afterward, he officially retired from competitive running at the age of 102 — but continued to run to stay fit and support charitable causes.

His sudden death sparked an outpouring of grief from the sports world and political leaders alike.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Fauja Singh Ji was a remarkable individual. His life and achievements inspired generations on the importance of fitness. His passing leaves us deeply saddened. My thoughts are with his family and admirers.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute, calling Singh a global symbol of resilience and determination. “He remains an eternal inspiration to athletes and fitness enthusiasts, young and old,” Kharge said.

News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.