Gurgaon BTech Student Injured in Dwarka Expressway Van Accident
In a distressing incident on the Dwarka Expressway, an 18-year-old first-year BTech student from Amity University sustained multiple injuries after a speeding van overturned. The accident occurred on the morning of April 9, highlighting ongoing road safety concerns in the Gurgaon region.
Details of the Accident
Arpita Vashisht, a resident of Sangam Vihar in Delhi, was traveling to her college in Pachgaon when the white Maruti Eeco van (registration DL-3CC-O-1012) she was in met with the accident. According to her complaint, she boarded the van with her friends Bhagyashree, Jatin, and Krishnanshu from Satsang Bhawan in Sangam Vihar at 8:30 am.
Arpita alleged that as the van approached a U-turn near Rajiv Chowk towards the Dwarka Expressway, the driver, identified as Sunny, began driving recklessly. Despite repeated requests from passengers to slow down, he continued to swerve and rush. "The driver did not listen and continued to drive recklessly. Suddenly, he applied the brakes, the rear tyre burst, and the vehicle overturned," she stated.
Injuries and Hospitalization
Arpita, who was seated in the rear of the van, suffered injuries from the waist down, including a fractured leg. Her friend Jatin rushed her to Fortis Hospital, where she was admitted for treatment. Her mother later revealed that Arpita is in acute pain and unable to move due to several lower body injuries, emphasizing the severity of the incident.
Police were informed after her hospitalization, and an officer visited the facility. Initially, doctors declared her unfit to provide a statement, but her testimony was recorded the following day after medical clearance.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
ASI Nishant, the investigating officer, confirmed that there were five occupants in the van, but only Arpita was injured due to her rear seat position. "The accident happened because of the tyre burst. We have already contacted the driver of the van and he will be arrested soon," he said.
Based on Arpita's complaint and medical records, a case has been registered at Sector 37 police station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 125(A) for acts endangering human lives and 281 for rash driving against the driver. This legal action underscores the authorities' commitment to addressing reckless driving behaviors.
Broader Implications
This accident brings to light the persistent issues of road safety and driver negligence on busy expressways like Dwarka Expressway. It serves as a stark reminder for commuters and authorities to prioritize adherence to traffic rules and vehicle maintenance to prevent such tragedies.
The incident has sparked concerns among local residents and students, urging for stricter enforcement of driving regulations and better infrastructure to ensure safer travel conditions in Gurgaon and surrounding areas.
