In a horrific incident that has shocked the national capital, three people sleeping on a footpath in Delhi's upscale Vasant Kunj area were crushed to death by a speeding BMW car in the early hours of Saturday. The driver, identified as a 22-year-old man, has been arrested by Delhi Police as investigations continue into the tragic event that highlights the vulnerability of the city's homeless population.
The Tragic Incident Unfolds
The accident occurred around 2:30 AM on November 30, 2024, when the luxury vehicle, traveling at high speed, lost control and mounted the pavement in the Vasant Kunj area. The victims, all daily wage laborers who had taken shelter on the footpath for the night, were sleeping when the BMW plowed into them without warning.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud crashing sound followed by screams as the silver-colored BMW careened onto the footpath near the main market area. Local shopkeepers and residents rushed to the scene to find three individuals critically injured beneath the vehicle. Despite immediate efforts to rescue them and calls for medical assistance, all three victims succumbed to their injuries at the spot.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Delhi Police responded promptly to the emergency calls, reaching the accident site within minutes. The driver, identified as 22-year-old from a wealthy background, was apprehended at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest that he was returning from a party when the accident occurred.
The BMW has been seized for forensic examination to determine the exact speed at the time of impact and to check for any mechanical failures. Police officials confirmed that the driver has been charged under appropriate sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to rash driving and causing death by negligence.
"We have registered a case and arrested the driver. The investigation is ongoing to determine all circumstances leading to this tragic incident," stated a senior police officer from the Vasant Kunj police station. The authorities are also examining CCTV footage from nearby establishments to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Broader Implications and Public Safety Concerns
This tragic incident has reignited concerns about road safety and the protection of homeless populations in Delhi. The capital city has witnessed several similar incidents where pedestrians and people sleeping on footpaths have fallen victim to speeding vehicles, particularly during late-night hours.
Safety advocates have pointed to the need for better infrastructure protection for pedestrians, including proper barriers on busy roads and enhanced lighting in areas frequented by homeless individuals. The incident also raises questions about enforcement of traffic regulations, especially concerning speeding and drunk driving during night hours.
Local residents and social workers have demanded stricter punishment for those responsible for such accidents and better facilities for the city's homeless population. The victims, like many in Delhi, were migrant workers who come to the city in search of livelihood but end up sleeping on streets due to lack of affordable shelter options.
As the investigation continues, the families of the deceased are being identified and notified. The tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the urban poor and the continuing challenges in ensuring road safety for all citizens in India's bustling capital.
