Tragic E-Rickshaw Accident Claims Life in Indore
A devastating incident involving an electric rickshaw has left one woman dead and two others severely injured in Indore. The tragedy unfolded when the vehicle's battery exploded during a routine journey, highlighting growing concerns about electric vehicle safety standards in urban India.
Fatal Journey to Eye Hospital
Pavitra Bai, a 50-year-old resident of Niranjanpur New Basti, was traveling with her 85-year-old mother Ramkunwar Bai to Shankar Eye Hospital on Saturday when catastrophe struck. The e-rickshaw they were riding in suddenly erupted in flames as its battery exploded without warning on the road in Scheme Number 54.
Local residents immediately rushed to the scene, working desperately to control the spreading fire. Emergency services were called, and the critically injured mother and daughter were quickly transported via ambulance to the burns unit at MY Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Despite receiving intensive care, Pavitra Bai could not overcome her severe burns and succumbed to her injuries on Sunday morning. Her elderly mother remains in serious condition, fighting for her life in the same hospital where medical teams continue their efforts to save her.
Negligence and Legal Consequences
Police investigation revealed that the tragedy resulted from the e-rickshaw driver's decision to install an unauthorized extra battery in the vehicle. According to Vijay Nagar TI Chandrakant Patel, this hazardous modification directly caused the explosive incident that claimed one life and endangered others.
Following a formal complaint filed by Pavitra Bai's brother, Ishwar, authorities registered an FIR against the driver late Saturday evening. The driver now faces multiple charges under various sections of the BNS and Motor Vehicles Act for his negligent actions that led to the fatal accident.
The Hidden Dangers of E-Rickshaw Batteries
This tragic incident underscores several critical safety issues affecting the thousands of e-rickshaws operating across Indore. Industry experts identify multiple factors that can turn these essential transportation vehicles into potential hazards:
Overcharging represents one of the most common risks. When batteries charge beyond recommended time limits, internal temperatures spike dramatically, causing excessive release of highly flammable hydrogen and oxygen gases that can ignite with minimal spark.
Substandard batteries pose another significant threat. Many operators cut costs by using old, poor-quality, or previously damaged batteries that become prone to internal short circuits and sudden failures.
Environmental factors like excessive heat further destabilize battery chemical composition. Charging batteries in direct sunlight or when already hot dramatically increases explosion risks.
Perhaps most dangerously, blocked vents prevent gas pressure from escaping properly. When vent plugs become clogged, even minor electrical sparks can trigger catastrophic explosions as built-up gases have no escape route.
With more than 10,000 e-rickshaws currently operating throughout Indore, this incident serves as a sobering reminder about the importance of proper vehicle maintenance and regulatory compliance. The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards and regular inspections of commercial electric vehicles across the city.
