A devastating road accident in the Deva police station area of Barabanki claimed the lives of three individuals, including a six-year-old girl, after a speeding tractor-trolley allegedly collided with a motorcycle carrying them. The victims were returning home from a family function in Lucknow when the incident occurred.
Details of the Accident
The accident took place around 12:30 am on Wednesday near Gopalpur village under the Deva police station limits. The victims had attended a wedding anniversary celebration in Lucknow and were heading back when the collision happened. According to family members, two motorcycles were traveling together, carrying relatives and neighbors.
Nirmal Kumar, a resident of Devgaon Malikasand village, stated that he was riding ahead with his wife and one child after attending his sister's wedding anniversary function at Haridasi Khera village near Matiyari in Lucknow. Following closely behind was another motorcycle ridden by his neighbor, 22-year-old Brajendra Kumar. Seated on that motorcycle were Brajendra's mother, Sudha Devi (50), and Nirmal's six-year-old daughter, Naina.
As the two motorcycles approached the Gopalpur turn, a speeding tractor-trolley allegedly collided with the rear motorcycle. The impact was so severe that the motorcycle was shattered, and all three occupants were thrown onto the road. Family members alleged that Sudha Devi and Naina were flung onto the roadway and were run over by the tractor after the collision. The victims sustained critical injuries and collapsed on the spot.
Immediate Response and Medical Efforts
Hearing cries for help, local residents rushed to the accident site and alerted the police. The injured were immediately transported to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Deva for emergency treatment. Doctors at the hospital declared Brajendra Kumar and his mother Sudha Devi dead on arrival. Six-year-old Naina, who had suffered grievous injuries, was given primary treatment before being referred to the District Hospital for advanced medical care. However, despite the efforts of doctors, the child succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
Scene of Devastation
The accident left scenes of devastation at the crash site. Eyewitnesses reported finding footwear, broken motorcycle parts, and debris scattered along the roadside. The motorcycle involved in the accident was badly mangled, with its front portion completely damaged. As news of the deaths reached the victims' village, grief-stricken relatives gathered at the hospital and later at their homes. Family members broke down upon seeing the bodies, and emotional scenes unfolded as relatives mourned the loss of the three victims.
Police Investigation
Police personnel reached the spot soon after receiving information about the accident. The bodies were taken into custody and sent for post-mortem examination after completing legal formalities. Meanwhile, the tractor-trolley driver allegedly fled the scene with the vehicle immediately after the accident. Police have registered a case and launched a search operation to trace the vehicle and apprehend the absconding driver.
Additional Station House Officer Rohit Shukla said police teams were conducting raids to identify and arrest the tractor driver responsible for the accident. He said efforts were underway to locate the vehicle involved, and further legal action would follow once the accused was apprehended.
Impact on the Community
The accident has cast a pall of gloom over the village, turning what had been a joyous family celebration into a night of tragedy. Investigators are examining the circumstances leading to the collision, while family members have demanded strict action against the driver responsible for the deaths. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of reckless driving on rural roads.
