In a tragic incident in Vizianagaram district, two individuals lost their lives in a devastating road accident involving an APSRTC bus and a motorcycle. The collision occurred near Gotlam road, within the jurisdiction of the Bondapalle police station, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident took place when an APSRTC bus, operating in the area, struck a motorcycle from behind. The impact was severe, resulting in the immediate deaths of both riders at the scene. According to police reports, the victims were identified as P Ramunaidu, aged 33, and M Elayya, aged 48. They were traveling from Porali village in Dattirajeru mandal towards Vizianagaram when the tragedy unfolded.
Police Investigation and Helmet Quality Concerns
Vizianagaram district police chief AR Damodhar, accompanied by his team, promptly visited the accident site to conduct a thorough investigation. One of the key findings was that the rider was wearing a helmet; however, it was not certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The helmet's poor quality led to it breaking into pieces upon impact, which police believe contributed significantly to the fatal outcome.
Damodhar emphasized that under the Motor Vehicles Act, it is not enough for riders to merely wear a helmet. The law stresses the importance of using a good-quality helmet that is properly fastened and meets safety standards. This incident has brought renewed attention to helmet safety and compliance with regulations.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Implications
The police have stated that the investigation is ongoing to determine the exact causes of the accident. Factors such as road conditions, vehicle speeds, and driver behavior are being examined. If negligence is found on the part of the bus driver, authorities plan to register a case against him. The site is also being assessed to see if it is a known black spot for accidents, which could lead to preventive measures.
Other Recent Road Accidents in the Region
In a separate but related incident, a retired army man, S Rama Rao (53), a native of Kasimkota mandal, was killed in a road accident in Anakapalle after his motorcycle skidded. Additionally, another tragic event occurred near Santhalavalasa under Dumbriguda mandal in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, where a collision between two motorcycles resulted in one fatality and two injuries. The deceased was identified as G Subbarao (25), and the injured were rushed to the government hospital in Araku Valley for treatment.
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of road safety in the region, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better awareness among commuters. Authorities continue to urge the public to prioritize safety measures, including the use of high-quality helmets, to prevent such tragedies in the future.
