Brit tourist killed and wife critical after reckless rental driver crushed them into a wall in tourist hotspot

A BRITISH man has been killed in India after a person driving "in a rash and negligent manner" lost control of his rental car, crashing into the couple walking on the side of the road.

Harish Solanki, 86, died after being crushed into a wall at the picturesque village of Candolim, while his 81-year-old wife, Chandrakanta, sustained serious injuries, local media reported.

Driver Vicky Jain, 48, was arrested after driving into the couple with his rental car, which was badly damaged by the force of the incident.

Jain is from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, according to Indian news outlet Daijiworld.

He was driving on the main road through Candolim when he veered onto the wrong side of the carriageway and crashed into the pair, police reported.

The couple had reportedly left their hotel and were walking on the side of the road when the crash took place.

Both were rushed to the Goa Medical College hospital in Bambolim right after the incident on April 25.

Solanki died in hospital that same evening, while his wife underwent treatment at a medical centre and remained in critical condition. 

Police have reportedly launched a full investigation.

The couple's family have been contacted by police.

Candolim, located in north Goa, is a popular tourist destination and is home to Goa's best-known resort.

The Sun has contacted the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for comment.