Patna Mahashivratri Tragedy: One Dead, Four Injured in Horrific Car-Truck Collision
A devastating road accident in Patna district on Monday morning resulted in one fatality and left four individuals with severe injuries. The incident occurred when a speeding car collided head-on with a stationary truck parked on the roadside near Damarchak village, under the jurisdiction of the Naubatpur police station.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident took place on NH-131G, specifically the Bihta–Sarmera road, around 9 am. According to police reports, the car was traveling at high speed towards Bihta when it crashed into the parked truck. The impact was so intense that the car was completely mangled, highlighting the severity of the collision.
The victims were five devotees returning home after offering water to Lord Shiva at Guptadham in Kaimur (Rohtas) on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. The deceased has been identified as Pankaj Kumar Chaurasia, a 45-year-old resident of Bhootnath, Patna. The injured include Raju Kumar Gupta (45), Munna, Khushi Kumari, and the driver Santosh Kumar, all residents of the Gaighat area in Patna.
Immediate Response and Medical Care
Local residents swiftly rushed to the accident site upon hearing the crash. They managed to rescue the victims from the wreckage and transported them to the Naubatpur referral hospital for initial treatment. Due to the critical nature of their injuries, all four injured individuals were subsequently referred to AIIMS Patna for advanced medical care.
A team from the Naubatpur police station promptly arrived at the location to manage the situation. The body of Pankaj Kumar Chaurasia was sent for a post-mortem examination as part of the standard investigative procedures.
Police Investigation and Preliminary Findings
SHO Manjeet Thakur of the Naubatpur police station provided insights into the probable cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggest that the car driver may have dozed off due to fatigue from the long return journey after the Mahashivratri rituals. This loss of control likely led to the vehicle veering off and colliding with the stationary truck.
In a concerning development, the truck driver fled the scene with the vehicle shortly after the crash, complicating the investigation. Authorities are actively working to locate the truck and its driver to gather more evidence and determine any potential negligence or violations.
Broader Implications and Road Safety Concerns
This tragic incident underscores significant road safety issues, particularly on highways like NH-131G. Factors such as driver fatigue, speeding, and improper parking of heavy vehicles contribute to such accidents. The occurrence on Mahashivratri, a major religious festival, adds a layer of sorrow, as families were engaged in devotional activities.
Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution, especially during long journeys, and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies. The community's quick response in rescuing the victims highlights the importance of local support in emergency situations.
