Overloaded E-Rickshaw Overturns in Kichha, Injuring 11 Women Laborers
A severe road accident involving an overloaded e-rickshaw and a motorcycle resulted in eleven people being injured, with six in critical condition, near the City Palace cut on Bareilly Bypass in Kichha on Friday evening. The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about vehicle overloading and road safety in the region.
Details of the Collision and Rescue Efforts
According to police reports, the e-rickshaw was transporting eleven women laborers from Shergarh to a factory in Kichha where they worked as daily wage earners. Simultaneously, Ansh Singh was riding a motorcycle towards Naveen Mandi with his mother, Santosh, seated pillion. As both vehicles entered the busy service lane intersection from different directions, they collided head-on.
The impact of the collision caused the e-rickshaw to overturn, trapping several women underneath the vehicle. Meanwhile, the motorcycle skidded across the road. Bystanders immediately rushed to the scene to rescue the injured and promptly alerted police and ambulance services. All victims were transported to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Community Health Centre in Kichha for initial medical attention.
Critical Injuries and Medical Response
Medical personnel at the community health centre identified six individuals with critical injuries, necessitating referral to a higher medical facility. Those referred include:
- Nanhni Devi, aged 45
- Shivani, daughter of Kallu
- Shivani, aged 18, daughter of Mahendra
- Asha Devi
- Ansh Singh
- Santosh
The other injured individuals, who are all residents of Shergarh, are currently undergoing treatment at the health centre. Their names are Balmati, Lakshmi, Nisha, Sanno, and Kirti. Doctors are monitoring their conditions closely as they recover from the traumatic incident.
Police Investigation and Legal Actions
Darau outpost in-charge Sub-Inspector Pawan Joshi stated that preliminary investigations indicate the e-rickshaw was significantly overloaded at the time of the accident. "Legal action has been initiated, and the vehicle has been seized for further examination," he confirmed. Authorities are actively searching for the e-rickshaw driver, who fled the scene immediately after the collision. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend him to hold him accountable for the incident.
This accident underscores the persistent issue of overloading in public transport vehicles, particularly e-rickshaws, which poses serious risks to passenger safety. Local authorities are urging stricter enforcement of vehicle capacity regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
