Kolkata Witnesses Tragic Road Accidents: Two Lives Lost, One Critical
In a distressing series of events, Kolkata experienced two separate road accidents that resulted in two fatalities and left one individual in a serious condition. The incidents, which occurred on Friday night, have once again brought the city's traffic safety issues into sharp focus, raising concerns among residents and authorities alike.
First Accident on EM Bypass Near Goutam's Dhaba
The first tragic incident unfolded on EM Bypass, close to the popular Goutam's Dhaba, around 10:20 PM on Friday. According to police reports, a motorcyclist lost control and collided with a pillar of the Ultadanga bridge. The impact was severe, ejecting both the rider and his pillion rider onto the road. In a horrifying turn of events, a stone-laden truck approaching from behind ran over the two victims, compounding the tragedy.
The motorcyclist, identified as Sanjoy Das (40), a resident of Canal Circular Road, was rushed to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Unfortunately, he was declared dead upon arrival. His pillion rider, Somnath Das (24), also from Canal Circular Road, sustained critical injuries. He was initially admitted to RG Kar in a grave condition before being transferred to NRS Medical College and Hospital for further treatment. Police noted that neither individual was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, which likely exacerbated their injuries.
Following the incident, authorities seized the truck involved and took its driver to the Maniktala Police Station for questioning. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collision and any potential negligence.
Second Accident on Sadananda Road Near 'Apanjan' Snacks Shop
In a separate but equally tragic event, a hit-and-run accident occurred on Sadananda Road, near the well-known snacks shop 'Apanjan'. The victim, Jharna Chakraborty (50), a resident of Satish Mukherjee Road, was walking along the road when she was struck by a speeding motorcycle. The rider, showing no regard for the victim's condition, fled the scene immediately, leaving Chakraborty severely injured.
Emergency services transported Chakraborty to SSKM Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The case has been taken up by the Fatal Squad from the Kalighat Police Station, with law enforcement officials actively searching for the bike rider responsible. This incident underscores the dangers pedestrians face on Kolkata's busy streets, especially in areas with high foot traffic.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
These accidents highlight persistent road safety challenges in Kolkata, a city grappling with increasing vehicular density and infrastructure strains. Key issues include:
- Lack of Protective Gear: The absence of helmets in the first accident points to a broader problem of non-compliance with safety regulations among two-wheeler users.
- Hit-and-Run Incidents: The second accident involved a fleeing perpetrator, reflecting a troubling trend of evasion in road mishaps.
- Infrastructure and Enforcement: Questions arise about road design, signage, and police vigilance in accident-prone zones like EM Bypass and Sadananda Road.
Local authorities are urged to enhance traffic management measures, including stricter enforcement of helmet laws, improved pedestrian crossings, and increased patrolling in high-risk areas. Public awareness campaigns on road safety could also play a crucial role in preventing such tragedies in the future.
As investigations proceed, the community mourns the loss of lives and hopes for the recovery of the injured. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive road safety reforms in Kolkata to protect its citizens.
