The mishap took place last night when a speeding truck lost control and collided with an ambulance carrying seven persons, including a patient, on way to the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) in the state capital from Purnia, Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar said.
He said five occupants of the ill-fated ambulance died on the spot.
The victims have been identified as Matiur Rehman, Mohammad Manzur, Mohammad Ziyat, Bibi Alam and Gagan Kumar Goshwami.
The truck driver escaped from the spot riding his vehicle, the SP said.