Deadly Collision on National Highway Near Sasaram Claims Life, Injures Police
A devastating road accident on National Highway 19 (NH-19) in the early hours of Wednesday resulted in the death of a co-driver and left three others injured, including two police personnel. The tragic incident occurred near the gate of Maharana Pratap College in Mohania, Sasaram, highlighting ongoing safety concerns on this busy arterial route.
Timing and Details of the Catastrophic Crash
The collision took place around 4:00 AM when a trailer transporting stone chips from Jharkhand to Rajasthan violently rammed into a stationary sand-laden dumper that was stranded on the highway. The impact was so severe that it completely mangled the front portion of the trailer, trapping the co-driver inside the cabin. Emergency responders confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries at the scene, unable to be extricated in time.
Victims Identified and Police Involvement
The deceased has been identified as Akhtar, a resident of Bikaner, Rajasthan. The injured driver, Vikram Singh (25), also hailing from Bikaner, is currently receiving medical treatment for his wounds. Police reports indicate that the dumper had been involved in a prior collision with an unidentified truck and was left abandoned on the road. The dumper driver allegedly contacted emergency services via Dial-112 before fleeing the scene, leaving the vehicle as a hazardous obstruction.
A police team that was present at the location investigating the initial incident sustained injuries when the trailer crashed. The injured police personnel were promptly treated at the sub-divisional hospital in Mohania, with their conditions reported as stable but underscoring the dangers faced by first responders.
Aftermath and Traffic Restoration Efforts
Following the accident, officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) were dispatched to clear the wreckage. Using a crane, they removed the damaged vehicles from NH-19, which had caused significant traffic disruption during the morning hours. Authorities worked efficiently to restore normal traffic flow soon after, minimizing long-term congestion on this critical transportation corridor.
Broader Implications for Highway Safety
This incident raises serious questions about road safety protocols and vehicle maintenance on India's national highways. The combination of a stranded vehicle, alleged driver negligence, and high-speed travel in low-visibility conditions created a perfect storm for tragedy. Local residents and commuters have expressed concerns, calling for enhanced monitoring and quicker response mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
