Biharsharief: Defence Minister George Fernandes escaped with minor injuries when his vehicle crashed into a roadside truck near Nagarnausa on Fatuah-Biharsharief national highway in Bihar's Nalanda district late last night (Jan 14, 2004), official sources said today.

Fernandes was on his way to Rajgir circuit house after attending a function at Hilsa when his Tata Qualis hit the truck due to low visibility because of fog, sources said.

A local doctor examined Fernandes at Rajgir circuit house as the Defence Minister complained of headache and pain in the leg, they said.

The bonnet of the vehicle was damaged in the accident.

Fernandes later left for Patna by train after attending inaugural function of coach maintenance pit line at Rajgir station. Railway Minister Nitish Kumar also attended the function.

Police had earlier said that Fernandes had escaped unhurt in the road accident.