In a tragic incident highlighting the perils of winter fog, two labourers from Akbarpur lost their lives in a devastating collision on the Jhansi-Kanpur highway. The accident, caused by severely reduced visibility, occurred when the mini truck they were travelling in smashed into a stationary truck.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The deceased have been identified as Mohammad Ansar (38) and Mohammad Sabir (41), both residents of Mewati Muhal in Akbarpur. According to reports, the two men worked as labourers at the goat market in Chaura. They had recently travelled to Chennai for work and were on the final leg of their journey back home.
After reaching Jhansi by train on Saturday night, the duo hired a mini truck for the remaining distance to Akbarpur. However, their journey ended in tragedy on the highway near Pukhrayan. Due to the dense fog enveloping the region, the driver of the moving mini truck failed to spot the parked truck ahead, leading to a high-impact collision.
Aftermath and Police Investigation
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, both drivers involved fled the scene. The driver of the mini truck abandoned the vehicle, while the driver of the stationary truck reportedly left with his vehicle. Local villagers alerted the authorities and helped transport the critically injured Ansar and Sabir to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Pukhrayan.
Tragically, doctors at the CHC declared both men dead upon arrival. Sub-Inspector Avnish Verma of Bhognipur police station arrived at the site and completed the necessary 'panchnama' (inquest report) for both bodies before sending them for a post-mortem examination.
Speaking on the ongoing investigation, Bhognipur Station Officer Amarendra Bahadur Singh confirmed that the police are actively searching for the two absconding drivers. The search operation aims to hold them accountable and piece together the exact sequence of events leading to the fatal crash.
A Journey Cut Short
The incident underscores the dangers faced by migrant workers travelling long distances for livelihood, compounded by hazardous weather conditions. Ansar and Sabir's trip from Chennai, spanning over a thousand kilometres, was meant to bring them home, but instead culminated in a heartbreaking loss for their families in Akbarpur.
This accident on the Jhansi-Kanpur highway serves as a grim reminder for authorities and commuters alike to exercise extreme caution during the winter fog season. It also highlights the need for stricter enforcement of safety measures on highways, including proper parking protocols for heavy vehicles and the use of fog lights and speed restrictions during low visibility.
