A tragic road accident in Jamshedpur claimed the life of a teenage girl and left her younger cousin seriously injured on Monday. The incident, caused by a passenger bus that rolled backwards due to an alleged handbrake failure, has sparked public outrage and protests in the city.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The victim has been identified as 16-year-old Anjali Kumari. She was riding a scooter with her 11-year-old cousin, Nidhi, as the pillion rider. The fatal accident occurred at the Barigora railway crossing under the jurisdiction of the Pursudih police station.
According to police officials, the driver of the bus had halted the vehicle near the railway crossing as the gate was being closed. The driver then allegedly left the bus after applying the handbrake and went for tea. In a horrifying turn of events, the bus suddenly began rolling backwards. Preliminary investigations suggest a possible handbrake failure was the cause.
The runaway bus collided with the scooter carrying the two girls. The impact was severe, and Anjali Kumari died on the spot. Her young cousin, Nidhi, sustained serious injuries and was immediately rushed to a private hospital for treatment.
Public Outrage and Police Response
The shocking incident triggered immediate anger among eyewitnesses. Motorists waiting at the crossing, along with pedestrians and local shopkeepers, became enraged. The crowd vandalised the bus involved in the accident.
The public fury escalated into a protest, with people blocking the Pursudih main road. In a dramatic move, some protesters also attempted to squat on the railway tracks, disrupting traffic further. The situation was eventually brought under control after personnel from the thana police reached the site and persuaded the crowd to calm down.
Investigation and Aftermath
Pursudih police station in-charge, Avinash Kumar, provided updates on the case. He confirmed that the driver of the bus is currently absconding and that the vehicle has been seized by the authorities. A thorough investigation into the matter is ongoing.
The body of the deceased teenager, Anjali Kumari, was sent to MGMMCH (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Hospital) for a post-mortem examination. The incident has once again raised serious questions about road safety protocols and driver negligence in the city.
This tragic event underscores the critical need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and greater accountability for commercial vehicle drivers. The community mourns the loss of a young life while hoping for the speedy recovery of the injured child.
