Late Friday night, a tragic road accident on the Agra–Mumbai national highway in Madhya Pradesh's Barwani district sparked violent protests, leading to a major traffic disruption. Angry villagers set a container truck on fire after it hit a two-wheeler, killing a 50-year-old woman on the spot.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Thikri police station near Baru Phatak. According to Thikri police station in-charge Nathu Singh Randha, a container truck collided with a two-wheeler on Friday night. The impact resulted in the immediate death of Kalibai, a 50-year-old resident of Kundiya village. Her husband, Omkar, sustained minor injuries in the crash.
Police officials confirmed that the truck driver fled the scene immediately after the accident. The vehicle was carrying grocery items and goods for an e-commerce platform at the time of the incident.
Villagers' Fury and Highway Blockade
Following the fatal collision, villagers from nearby areas gathered at the spot. Unable to locate the absconding driver, the crowd vented their anger by setting the container truck ablaze. This act of protest led to the complete blockage of both lanes of the crucial national highway, causing a significant traffic jam.
The protesting locals raised a critical demand for improved road safety infrastructure. They insisted on the construction of a flyover at that particular stretch, which they claim is prone to frequent accidents. The chaos and traffic disruption lasted for nearly 40 minutes.
Police Intervention and Aftermath
Faced with a volatile situation, police authorities summoned additional force from Rajpur and Nagalwadi. Personnel reached the spot to pacify the agitated crowd and eventually used mild force to bring the situation under control. Fire tenders were deployed to douse the flames engulfing the truck.
The truck was subsequently seized by the police, and efforts are currently underway to trace and apprehend the driver who fled. The incident highlights the recurring issue of road safety on busy national highways and the public frustration that boils over following fatal accidents.
