A tragic road accident in Surat claimed the life of a 17-year-old school student on Saturday, sparking renewed concerns over road safety in the area. The victim, identified as Aryaman Lathiya, a resident of Katargam, succumbed to severe injuries after a high-speed collision.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The incident occurred around noon near Bhesan village. Aryaman Lathiya was returning home to Katargam from his school in Malgama village on his electric moped. As he reached the vicinity of Bhesan Lake Garden, a Bolero car coming from the opposite direction rammed into his vehicle head-on.
The impact of the crash was severe, throwing the young student onto the road. He sustained critical injuries in the accident. Bystanders and locals rushed to help, and he was quickly taken to BAPS Hospital for emergency treatment.
Despite the best efforts of the medical team, Aryaman could not be saved. His relatives and school authorities, who arrived at the hospital after being informed, were left devastated by the loss.
Driver Flees, Then Arrested
In a callous act, the driver of the Bolero, identified as Jayesh Bharwad, who is also the owner of the vehicle, fled the accident spot immediately after the crash. However, the Pal police swiftly investigated the case and managed to track down and arrest the accused.
The police have registered a case against Jayesh Bharwad under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act. The charges primarily include causing death by negligence and rash driving.
Local Outcry Over Road Safety
The fatal accident has ignited anger and fear among local residents, who have long been highlighting the dangerous road conditions. They point to specific hazards that make the stretch perilous, especially for two-wheelers and pedestrians.
Key concerns raised by the community include:
- Presence of sharp turns near Bhesan village.
- Narrowing of the road due to ongoing Metro construction work, reducing space for vehicles.
- Frequent movement of heavy vehicles on this stretch.
- Absence of adequate safety measures like speed breakers near accident-prone curves.
Residents are now demanding immediate action from the authorities. Their primary demands include temporary road widening during the construction period and the urgent installation of speed breakers, particularly near Bhesan Lake Garden and other dangerous curves, to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The death of Aryaman Lathiya is a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic rules, especially in areas undergoing major development work like Surat.
