Chartered Accountant Succumbs to Burn Injuries in Tragic Highway Collision and Fire
A devastating accident on National Highway-27 in Jalaun has claimed the life of a 55-year-old chartered accountant, Rajesh Kushwaha, in the early hours of Saturday. The fatal incident occurred when Kushwaha's speeding SUV violently collided with a stationary truck parked on the side of the highway, resulting in a catastrophic fire that engulfed the vehicle.
Details of the Fatal Early Morning Crash
According to police reports, Rajesh Kushwaha, a resident of Orai, was travelling alone in his SUV around 3 am on Saturday, approximately two kilometres from the district headquarters. He had left his home late Friday night for work and was returning when the tragedy struck. Officer-in-charge of Orai police station, Harishankar, stated that Kushwaha's car rammed into the rear of the parked truck at high speed.
The impact generated sparks that ignited a rapid and intense fire, quickly consuming the SUV. Local residents noticed smoke billowing from the highway and immediately rushed to the scene, alerting both police and the fire brigade. Despite their swift response, the flames spread too quickly, trapping Kushwaha inside the vehicle.
Rescue Efforts and Aftermath of the Blaze
Eyewitnesses described the collision as so severe that it caused the truck's tyres to burst. By the time firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze, Kushwaha had already succumbed to severe burn injuries. The car was completely gutted, necessitating the use of cutters to retrieve the charred remains of the body. Identification was later confirmed through the vehicle's registration details, providing closure to the grim discovery.
Kushwaha's brother, Sanjay Singh, revealed that the deceased operated a coal company and frequently travelled late at night between Orai and Jhansi. His wife, Swati Singh, is a professor, adding a layer of personal tragedy to the professional loss. The family is now grappling with the sudden and horrific nature of his passing.
Community and Police Response to the Incident
The accident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the dangers of nighttime highway travel and improperly parked vehicles. Police are investigating the exact circumstances leading to the crash, including factors like speed and road conditions. This incident underscores the critical need for enhanced safety measures on India's national highways to prevent such fatal occurrences in the future.
