A day of tragedy unfolded across Chhattisgarh on Sunday as a series of devastating road accidents claimed at least four lives and left two others injured. The incidents, occurring in three separate districts, sparked widespread public anger, leading to protests and major road blockades as residents pointed fingers at reckless driving by heavy vehicles and alleged delays in emergency medical aid.
Highway Blockade After Labourer's Death in Bilaspur
The first fatal accident occurred late Sunday night on the busy Bilaspur–Korba National Highway. A 55-year-old labourer, Neelamdas, was crushed to death by a speeding trailer while he was crossing the road between Ratanpur and Pali. The victim was returning home from work when the trailer hit him. The driver, in a callous move, fled the scene immediately, abandoning the vehicle.
Enraged by the incident, local villagers and the grieving family of Neelamdas staged a massive protest. They blocked the crucial national highway, causing a severe traffic snarl that stretched for nearly six kilometres. The agitation continued until revenue officials intervened, offering assurances of compensation for the victim's family and promising strict legal action against the culprit. Only then was the blockade lifted.
Two Women Killed in Korba's Darri Area
In a separate and equally heartbreaking incident in Korba district's Darri area on Sunday evening, two women lost their lives on the spot. The accident involved a truck that rammed into their scooter from behind with tremendous force. The impact was fatal for both riders.
This tragedy immediately triggered another wave of public outrage. Locals once again took to the streets, blocking the road to voice their demands. Their primary concerns were the immediate arrest of the absconding truck driver and the implementation of stricter traffic enforcement measures to prevent such incidents. Police personnel eventually managed to clear the roadblock and have launched a search operation to trace the fleeing driver.
Public Anger and Demands for Safety
The third accident, which occurred in Jashpur district, also resulted in injuries and added fuel to the growing public discontent. Across all three cases, a common thread of anger emerged. Citizens squarely blamed rash and negligent driving by heavy vehicle operators for the loss of innocent lives. In Jashpur, protesters raised an additional critical issue, alleging a significant delay in the arrival of emergency medical services, which they believe could have altered outcomes.
These consecutive accidents have thrown a harsh spotlight on the persistent issue of road safety in the region. The spontaneous protests and blockades reflect a community pushed to its limit, demanding accountability and concrete action from authorities. The demands are clear: swift justice for the victims, a crackdown on reckless driving, and improved emergency response systems to make the roads safer for all.
