Tragedy Strikes on NH-23 as Morning Fog Leads to Fatal Collision
A heartbreaking road accident claimed five lives and left one person injured on Thursday morning in Gumla district. The incident occurred on National Highway 23 near Bhadgaon village, within the jurisdiction of Bharno police station.
Details of the Devastating Collision
A pick-up van carrying six people was struck from behind by a truck. Police officials confirmed the collision happened during morning hours. The victims were traveling from Dhurwa in Ranchi to Gumla with a specific purpose.
They were transporting tilkuts to sell for the Makar Sankranti festival. This seasonal business trip turned tragic when the vehicles collided on the highway.
Police Investigation Points to Multiple Factors
Initial investigation by local police suggests two primary causes for the accident. Morning fog significantly reduced visibility on the highway. Combined with possible speeding, these conditions created a dangerous situation.
Kanchan Prajapati, the officer in-charge of Bharno police station, provided details about the victims. The deceased included Baleshwar Sahu, a 48-year-old grocery shop owner from Dhurwa. He had organized the tilkut selling venture and hired five workers for the festival business.
Other victims identified were Sunil Kumar Sao (30) and Sanjay Kumar Bhuiyan (22), both residents of Keradari in Hazaribag district. Bajrang Kumar (38) also perished, though his complete address remains unknown at this time.
A fifth victim died at Paras hospital in Ranchi after being transferred from a medical facility in Sisai. Authorities have not yet released this person's identity.
Medical Treatment and Police Action
The injured survivor received primary treatment at a government hospital in Sisai. Medical staff discharged this individual after administering necessary care.
Police conducted autopsies for all deceased persons at Gumla sadar hospital. Law enforcement officers seized the truck involved in the collision as part of their ongoing investigation.
Baleshwar Sahu originally came from Tandwa police station limits in Chatra district. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to organize the Makar Sankranti tilkut selling trip that ended so tragically.
This accident highlights continuing road safety concerns on Jharkhand highways, particularly during winter months when fog reduces visibility. The timing during a festive period adds to the tragedy, as families prepared for Makar Sankranti celebrations across the region.
