A tragic road accident claimed the life of a teenage boy in Bihar's Katihar district on Thursday, leading to violent public protests and a major road blockade. The incident has once again highlighted the perils of road safety in the region.
Teenager Crushed by Sand-Laden Truck
The victim has been identified as 17-year-old Shivam Kumar. The fatal collision occurred near Daukhra Chowk under the jurisdiction of the Kadwa police station. According to initial reports, a truck, heavily loaded with sand, rammed into the bicycle Shivam was riding. The impact was severe, and the young man succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Public Outrage and Road Blockade
News of the accident spread quickly, triggering immediate and intense anger among local villagers. A crowd gathered at the spot and stopped the truck involved in the incident. The protesters managed to catch hold of the driver and detained him.
The public fury soon escalated. Demonstrators blocked the road by burning tires, creating a significant barrier for traffic. They also vandalised the truck, causing extensive damage to the vehicle. The road blockade and protest disrupted normal traffic flow for over an hour, causing a long queue of vehicles on both sides.
Police Intervention Restores Order
Local police, after receiving information about both the accident and the ensuing protest, rushed to the location. The law enforcement officials took the truck driver into their custody from the villagers.
Vijay Prakash, the Chief of Kadwa Police Station, personally reached the spot to manage the volatile situation. He engaged with the enraged crowd, pacified them, and assured them of strict legal action. His intervention was crucial in calming the protesters and eventually restoring order on the road. The police have registered a case and are investigating the exact circumstances that led to the deadly collision.
This heartbreaking event underscores the critical need for improved road safety measures and responsible driving, especially on highways and in areas with mixed traffic. The community's reaction also reflects the deep-seated frustration over recurring accidents and the demand for accountability.
