Elderly Woman Fatally Struck by Speeding Ambulance in Sheohar District
A tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday in Sheohar district, where a 60-year-old woman lost her life after being hit by a speeding ambulance. The victim, identified as Hridaya Devi, wife of the late Suresh Rai from Rasidpur locality, was standing by the roadside when the accident occurred around 4:30 AM under the jurisdiction of the Town police station.
Drunk Driver Behind the Wheel of Emergency Vehicle
According to police reports, local residents immediately rushed the injured woman to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared her brought dead upon arrival. In a shocking revelation, villagers managed to apprehend the ambulance driver at the scene, who confessed to having consumed alcohol while on duty. This admission prompted swift police intervention, with authorities taking the driver into custody and initiating legal proceedings against him.
Highway Blockade by Angry Villagers Demanding Justice
The tragic death sparked outrage among family members and local residents, who blocked the crucial Shivhar–Sitamarhi NH-227 highway for several hours in protest. The demonstrators demanded strict action against the driver, creating significant disruption to traffic flow in the area. The protest highlighted community frustration over what they perceived as negligence in emergency service operations.
Police Response and Investigation Details
Upon receiving information about both the accident and subsequent blockade, Traffic DSP Bhai Bharat Kumar and Town SHO Randhir Kumar Singh arrived at the location with a police team. Their efforts successfully pacified the protesters and restored order to the situation. The arrested driver has been identified as Subhash Singh, a resident of Amba under the Piprahi police station area.
During police interrogation, Singh reiterated his admission of alcohol consumption prior to the incident. Authorities have seized the ambulance involved in the collision and sent the victim's body for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death and gather forensic evidence.
Ambulance's Official Deployment for Mahashivratri Security
In a concerning twist, police revealed that the ambulance had been officially deployed at Dekuli Dham for security and health arrangements related to Mahashivratri celebrations. The driver was reportedly traveling at high speed toward Dekuli Dham in the empty vehicle when the accident occurred, raising serious questions about protocol violations and safety standards in emergency medical transport.
The incident has prompted calls for stricter monitoring of ambulance drivers and emergency vehicle operations, particularly during major public events where such services are crucial for community safety.
