A tragic road accident claimed the life of a pedestrian in Chandigarh on Wednesday morning, pushing the city's grim tally of road fatalities this year past last year's total. The incident occurred near Poultry Farm Chowk in Industrial Area Phase 1.
Details of the Fatal Collision
According to police reports, the victim, identified as 50-year-old Ashok Prashad, was walking towards Hallomajra around 10:15 am. Prashad, a resident of Hallomajra who originally hailed from Chapra district in Bihar, was crossing a slip road near the chowk when the accident happened.
A motorcyclist, coming from the direction of Hallomajra Light Point, struck Ashok Prashad at speed. The impact caused the pedestrian to fall onto the road, resulting in severe head injuries. Passersby immediately contacted the police via the 112 emergency helpline, prompting a swift response from a PCR team.
Police Response and Legal Action
The police shifted the critically injured man to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Sector 32 (GMCH-32). Unfortunately, doctors declared him brought dead upon arrival. His body was sent for a post-mortem examination.
Sector 31 police seized the involved motorcycle and registered a case against the rider. The accused, identified as Abhimanyu, was booked under sections related to negligence and culpable homicide not amounting to murder. He was arrested but later released on bail following legal procedure.
Rising Road Deaths in Chandigarh
This fatal incident has underscored a worrying trend in the city. With Ashok Prashad's death, the number of lives lost in road accidents in Chandigarh has climbed to 86 so far this year. This figure already exceeds the total of 81 road fatalities recorded for the entire previous year, indicating a serious escalation in traffic-related deaths.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about road safety, speeding vehicles, and pedestrian vulnerability in certain areas of the city. Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances leading to the collision.
