Jalandhar, July 15 -- Veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh died after being hit by an unidentified car while he was crossing a road at his native Beas village in Jalandhar district on Monday. He was 114. Following the road accident in the afternoon around 3.30pm, he was taken to a private hospital in Jalandhar, where he succumbed to his injuries. Adampur SHO Herdev Preet Singh said they received the information about Fauja Singh's death at 8.45 pm following which the statements of their family members were being recorded. "We have registered an FIR against the unidentified vehicle driver. As per available information, Fauja Singh was trying to cross the main Adampur-Bhogpur road around 3.30pm when the mishap occurred," he said. Jalandhar rural SSP Harvinder Virk said the police were sounded only after his death at the hospital. "The accident happened when he was going to a dhaba owned by the family on the Bhogpur road. We are looking for CCTV footage from the area for the identification of the vehicle, which fled after hitting him," the SSP said. Famously known as 'Turbaned Tornado', the record holder marathon runner, who was the youngest among four siblings, was born on April 1, 1911, in Jalandhar's Beas village. At the age of 81, Fauja Singh, a vegetarian throughout his life, moved to East London in 1992 after the death of his wife, Gian Kaur. He took to running and jogging after the death of his fifth son Kuldeep Singh in August 1994 initially to overcome the grief. His love for marathon began in London and he started taking coaching from Harmander Singh before he started running professionally at the age of 89. Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria said he is deeply saddened by the passing away the legendary marathon runner, an enduring symbol of resilience and hope. "Even at the age of 114, he continued to inspire generations with his strength and commitment. I had the honour of walking alongside him during the two-day 'Nasha Mukt - Rangla Punjab' march from his village Beas, Jalandhar, in December 2024. Even then, his presence infused the movement with unparalleled energy and spirit," Kataria said. "His legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those fighting for a healthier, and drug-free Punjab," he said. "It is with great sadness that I share the passing away of my most revered Fauja Singh. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja," said Chandigarh-based writer, Khushwant Singh, who authored his biography, 'Turbaned Tornado'. Khushwant added that Fauja Singh was a true legend as he contributed immensely not only to marathons but also to charity and fundraising for social causes. Former CM Capt Amarinder Singh said, "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of Fauja Singh ji, the legendary marathon runner, at the age of 114 in a tragic road accident. His extraordinary life and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire generations." Congress leader and hockey Olympian Pargat Singh also mourned his death, stating, "An eternal symbol of determination and strength - his spirit inspired generations across the world." A torch-bearer in the 2012 London Olympic Games, Fauja became a sensation in 2000 when he completed the London Marathon in 6 hours and 54 minutes, breaking the world record in the 90 plus age bracket. Since then, there was no looking back as Fauja completed eight full marathons in his career. In the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Fauja completed the race in 5.40 hours to record his personal best timing. In 2011, he called it a day at the age of 101 after completing the 26-mile London marathon....