Tragic Road Accident Claims Seven Lives in Valsad District
A devastating road accident in Valsad district of Gujarat resulted in the deaths of seven individuals on Friday. The horrific incident occurred at Kumbhghat in Kaprada taluka, where a Maruti Eeco van carrying the victims was completely crushed between two trucks.
Details of the Fatal Collision
According to preliminary police reports, the victims were traveling from Amba Jangal village to Nana Pondha when tragedy struck. A speeding truck rammed into their van from behind with tremendous force. The impact propelled the van forward, wedging it between the speeding truck and another stationary truck parked on the roadside.
The collision was so severe that the van was completely crushed, trapping all occupants inside. Five individuals died instantly at the accident scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries during treatment at a nearby hospital.
Victims Identified from Local Villages
The deceased have been identified as residents of two neighboring villages. Six victims hailed from Amba Jangal village: Kishan Gangoda (62), Vinod Raut (32), Ganesh Misal (34), Naresh Pawar (34), Shivram Mangi (34), and Ramila Mangi (31). The seventh victim was Dipvanti Sankara (17) from Piproti village in Kaprada.
The group comprised five men and two women, all traveling together when the accident occurred. Their identities highlight the close-knit nature of the rural communities affected by this tragedy.
Accident Site Known for Previous Incidents
The collision took place on a stretch of road where repair work is currently underway. Local residents have expressed grave concerns about safety measures at this particular location, noting that several accidents have occurred at the same spot in the past.
"This isn't the first time such a tragedy has happened here," one local resident reported. "The ongoing construction work creates hazardous conditions, and proper safety protocols seem to be lacking."
Community Mourns Sudden Loss
Grief and shock have enveloped Amba Jangal village following the accident. A large number of villagers gathered outside the post-mortem room as the bodies were brought for examination, mourning the sudden loss of seven community members in a single incident.
The bodies were shifted to a hospital for post-mortem procedures as investigations into the exact circumstances of the accident continue.
Police Action and Driver Statements
Valsad police have registered a case against truck driver Nagraj Mahadev Katimani and cleaner Manikanta Elappa Katki for alleged rash driving and negligence. During preliminary questioning, the driver claimed that brake failure caused the accident, though this claim is under investigation.
Both the driver and cleaner sustained injuries in the collision. The driver suffered minor injuries, while the cleaner received multiple injuries. Both are currently undergoing medical treatment at a local hospital.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns
The tragic incident has raised serious questions about road safety measures, particularly in areas where construction or repair work is in progress. Authorities are examining whether adequate warning signs, barriers, or traffic management systems were in place at the accident site.
As the investigation continues, the community remains in mourning, grappling with the sudden loss of seven lives in what appears to be a preventable tragedy on a dangerous stretch of road.
