LUCKNOW: A devastating road accident on the Hardoi-Lakhimpur border in Uttar Pradesh claimed the lives of three family members and left three others seriously injured after their car collided with a tractor-trolley and became lodged underneath it. In a shocking turn of events, the tractor driver allegedly remained unaware of the collision and continued driving for nearly three kilometers while dragging the mangled vehicle.
Victims Identified
The deceased have been identified as Vimal Singh (40), a cashier in the irrigation department, his wife Vandana Singh Patel (30), and their niece Alikhya Verma (22). The injured include the couple's two children and Vimal Singh's brother-in-law.
Family Returning from Haridwar Vacation
According to police and family members, the victims were residents of Shastri Nagar in Sultanpur district and were returning home after a family vacation in Haridwar. The accident occurred in the early hours of Monday night-Tuesday morning near the Pihani police outpost under Hardoi Kotwali area.
The family was traveling in a car when it reportedly lost control and crashed into the rear of a tractor-trolley loaded with sacks of salt. Preliminary investigations suggest that the car was traveling at high speed, causing the driver to lose control before colliding with the slow-moving vehicle.
Car Trapped Under Tractor, Dragged for Approx 3 km
Eyewitnesses said the impact of the collision was so severe that the car became wedged underneath the tractor-trolley. However, the tractor driver allegedly failed to notice the crash and continued driving towards Lakhimpur Kheri district. The trapped occupants reportedly screamed for help as the vehicle was dragged along the road. Despite their cries, the tractor driver did not hear them and continued driving for approximately 3 km.
The ordeal ended only when a passing DCM truck driver noticed the car lodged under the tractor-trolley. The truck driver overtook the tractor and alerted its driver about the accident. Upon stopping the vehicle, the tractor driver discovered the severely damaged car trapped beneath the trolley.
Rescue Operation by Locals
Local residents rushed to the scene and launched a rescue operation. Due to the extensive damage to the car, rescuers had to break the vehicle's doors and windows to pull out the trapped passengers. Police arrived shortly afterward and shifted all six victims to the Pasgawan Community Health Centre in Lakhimpur Kheri for treatment. Doctors declared Vimal Singh, his wife Vandana, and their niece Alikhya Verma dead on arrival.
Children and Relative Sustain Serious Injuries
The couple's son, Veer, and daughter, Ruby, sustained fractures in their legs and are undergoing treatment. Vimal Singh's brother-in-law suffered injuries to his chest and remains under medical observation. Medical authorities stated that the injured are receiving treatment and their condition is being closely monitored.
Government Employee with a Remarkable Personal Story
Vimal Singh was employed as a cashier in the irrigation department. According to family sources, he had secured the government position under the compassionate appointment scheme following the death of his father. His wife Vandana was a homemaker. Family members also revealed that Vimal had undergone a kidney transplant approximately one year ago. In a life-saving gesture, his sister had donated one of her kidneys to him. The family had recently traveled to Haridwar for a vacation. A photograph of Vimal and Vandana sitting together on the banks of the Ganga during the trip has surfaced and is being widely shared among relatives and acquaintances following the tragedy.
Police Investigation Underway
Police officials in Lakhimpur Kheri stated that preliminary findings indicate overspeeding as a possible cause of the accident. Investigators believe the car driver lost control before crashing into the tractor-trolley. Authorities are examining all aspects of the incident, including whether negligence played any role after the collision occurred. Ajay Singh, a municipal councilor from Shastri Nagar in Sultanpur, confirmed the deaths and said that relatives had reached Lakhimpur Kheri to complete legal formalities and receive the bodies.
A Tragedy That Shocked Two Districts
The incident has sent shockwaves through Sultanpur and surrounding areas. What began as a family holiday ended in a devastating tragedy, leaving two children injured and an entire family shattered. The unusual circumstances of the accident, where a car remained trapped under a tractor-trolley and was dragged for several kilometers before being noticed, have raised serious concerns about road safety, vehicle awareness, and emergency response on highways in the state.
