Amreli Highway Tragedy: Seven Lives Lost in 48 Hours Cast Shadow Over Holi Celebrations
A series of devastating road accidents has claimed seven lives within just 48 hours in Amreli district, casting a somber pall over what should have been festive Holi celebrations across Gujarat. The tragic collisions occurred at three separate locations along the Bhavnagar–Somnath National Highway, leaving families shattered and communities in mourning.
Highway Dubbed 'Black Spot' by Angry Residents
Local residents and community leaders are pointing fingers at what they describe as dangerous conditions created by incomplete highway construction projects. Confusing diversions, inadequate signage, and poor nighttime lighting have transformed this crucial transportation artery into what locals are now calling a "black spot" for accidents.
"The roadwork delays and insufficient night-time indicators have made this route exceptionally dangerous," explained one resident. "Motorists frequently lose their way in the darkness, creating perfect conditions for tragedy."
As Holi and Dhuleti preparations begin across the state, several villages in Amreli district find themselves in mourning instead of celebration. Community leaders have expressed mounting anger at the prolonged delays in completing highway construction, poorly planned diversions, and the glaring absence of proper lighting and signage.
Three Separate Tragedies Detail the Human Cost
Near Jafrabad: In the early hours of Sunday morning, a fatal collision between a truck and motorcycle occurred between Balaniwav and Kagwadar. Two men from Nageshree village—Manu Arjan Sankhat (36) and Ramesh Jadav Sankhat (41)—died instantly at the scene. Local witnesses noted that this particular stretch has seen continuous construction work for years, with unclear nighttime diversions remaining a primary cause of accidents.
Near Liliya: Late Monday evening near Gundaran village, a motorcycle carrying four farm laborers collided with the rear of an unidentified heavy vehicle. Three minors from Madhya Pradesh—Jayesh Barsingh (17), Hemraj Swalesingh (14), and Railesh Swalesingh (12)—died immediately at the scene. An 18-year-old youth, Sunil Swalesingh, sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing medical treatment.
According to Liliya police inspector M D Saluke, authorities have registered a case against the unknown driver of the heavy vehicle, and investigations are actively underway.
In Rajula Taluka: This area witnessed multiple hit-and-run incidents that claimed two more lives. At Bherai Chowkdi, Trikam Lakha Parmar (70), a resident of Devli village in Talaja, died after an unidentified vehicle struck his moped. Early Saturday morning, Kamlesh Bhana Gujriya of Victor village was run over by an unknown vehicle while walking near Hindorana and died instantly.
In a separate but related incident on Tuesday morning, a three-year-old child named Jignesh Mukesh Berani suffered serious injuries when a motorcycle struck him while he was walking with his mother near Giriya village. The child has been hospitalized, while the three individuals on the motorcycle survived the crash.
Community Demands Immediate Safety Measures
Residents and community leaders are now demanding urgent action from authorities. Their primary concerns include:
- Completion of all pending highway construction work
- Implementation of clear, well-planned diversions with proper signage
- Installation of adequate nighttime lighting along dangerous stretches
- Enhanced safety measures to prevent further tragedies
The collective grief and anger in Amreli district highlight a critical infrastructure safety issue that extends beyond individual accidents. As families mourn their loved ones during what should be a festive season, the demand for safer roads has never been more urgent or emotionally charged.
