A horrific chain collision involving four vehicles on National Highway 41 in Gujarat's Kutch district in the early hours of Monday resulted in the tragic deaths of a two-year-old boy and a truck driver. The multi-vehicle pileup has sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the dangers on the busy highway.
Sequence of a Tragedy: How the Chain Collision Unfolded
The accident occurred on the stretch of NH-41 between Bhachau and Samakhiali. According to police, the initial impact happened when a car, carrying a couple and their two-year-old son from Gandhidham, slammed into the rear of a mini truck. Passersby immediately rushed to rescue the occupants from the mangled car.
While the couple was successfully pulled out to safety, the situation turned catastrophic before their young child could be saved. The car caught fire rapidly, and the blaze spread quickly because the mini truck it had hit was loaded with highly flammable plywood. The two-year-old boy, Viraj Shrimali, was tragically charred to death in the inferno.
Secondary Impact Claims Another Life
The chaos did not end there. Moments after the first crash, a truck approaching the scene braked suddenly and managed to stop just three feet away from the accident site. However, a second truck coming from behind failed to brake in time and violently crashed into the stationary vehicle.
The force of this secondary collision was devastating. The truck that had braked was carrying a load of steel pipes. The cabin of the following truck was completely crushed in the impact, killing its 47-year-old driver, Ajay Rai, on the spot.
Police Investigation and Condition of Survivors
Bhachau police inspector Arjunsinh Jadeja provided details of the response. "Whose fault the accident was is being investigated," Inspector Jadeja told TOI. "When we arrived at the spot, the vehicle was already burning. Our priority was providing medical assistance." He confirmed that an offence would be registered after the preliminary inquiry is completed.
The injured couple, who were headed towards Samakhiali at the time of the crash, were rushed to a hospital in Bhuj. Authorities have reported that they are currently in stable condition, receiving treatment for their injuries.
The early morning accident on NH-41 serves as a grim reminder of the perils of highway travel, especially involving vehicles carrying combustible materials. The police investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause and sequence of responsibilities in this devastating chain reaction crash.
