A Joyride Ends in Tragedy on Delhi-Panipat Highway
A simple plan to celebrate a new phone purchase with a late-evening drive for famous Murthal parathas ended in devastating loss for three families in Rohtak. Three friends, all aged 21, lost their lives in a horrific crash on National Highway 44 in Sonipat on Monday.
The victims have been identified as Deepak, Prateek (also known as Tushar), and Mayank. According to police, the trio had driven out on a scooter to celebrate the purchase of an iPhone 16 and were heading towards the popular dhabas at Murthal.
The Fatal Collision on Nangal Khurd Flyover
The accident occurred on the Nangal Khurd flyover on the Delhi–Panipat carriageway. Police reports indicate that the scooter slammed into a truck that allegedly braked suddenly. The impact was so severe that it threw all three riders onto the highway.
Two of the young men died on the spot. The third was rushed to a private hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries, doctors confirmed.
In a critical detail noted by investigators, none of the three friends was wearing a helmet. Police stated that the head injuries sustained in the crash proved fatal. Meanwhile, the truck driver abandoned his vehicle at the scene and fled. Authorities are now scanning CCTV footage from the area to identify and apprehend the driver.
Families Grapple with Sudden, Heartbreaking Loss
The families of the victims shared that the friends had left their homes around 3:30 PM, casually telling their parents they would return in just ten minutes.
Mayank, a B.Com graduate from Krishna Vihar in Rohini, was exploring job options and had plans to pursue a BSc degree. His family was already in mourning, having lost his grandfather on December 23, when this new tragedy struck.
Deepak, a final-year BA student, was reportedly unwell with a mild fever on the day of the accident, his father revealed. He assisted with his family's vegetable business and also worked part-time as a wedding photographer to save money for the new phone.
Prateek (Tushar), a second-year student, had faced profound loss earlier in life. Relatives shared that he had lost his father to suicide a decade ago, making this incident another cruel blow for his family.
A Stark Reminder of Road Safety Neglect
This tragic incident on one of North India's busiest highways underscores several persistent issues in road safety. The absence of helmets, the vulnerability of two-wheeler riders against heavy vehicles, and the alleged sudden braking and subsequent fleeing of a truck driver highlight a deadly combination of negligence and risk.
The accident has left the communities in Rohtak and Sonipat in shock, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and greater public awareness about the non-negotiable importance of safety gear like helmets, even on short trips.
