Deadly Multi-Vehicle Pileup on Doon-Haridwar Highway Claims One Life, Leaves 15 Injured
A horrific multi-vehicle collision on Sunday night in Dehradun's Raiwala area has resulted in the tragic death of a 30-year-old woman and left 15 others injured, including seven minors. The devastating accident occurred at the Haridwar-Motichur flyover on the busy Doon-Haridwar highway, which serves as a crucial route connecting to Delhi.
Victims Identified as Bijnor Residents Returning from Religious Festival
The deceased has been identified as Kusum Devi, a resident of Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh. According to police reports, all those injured in the catastrophic crash were also from Bijnor district. They were returning from Dehradun after attending the annual Jhanda Mela, a significant religious gathering that draws devotees from across the region.
Chain Reaction Collision Involving Five Vehicles
Preliminary investigation by authorities has revealed that the victims were traveling in a tractor-trolley when it was initially struck by a bus. This initial impact triggered a devastating chain reaction, with an SUV, a large loader vehicle, and another car subsequently ramming into the already involved vehicles. The sequence of collisions created a chaotic scene on the highway.
During the violent crash, a CNG cylinder reportedly exploded, causing a fire that quickly engulfed the bus and spread to parts of the other vehicles involved in the pileup. This added element of fire significantly increased the danger and complexity of the emergency response.
Police Response and Rescue Operations
Police initially reported two fatalities from the accident but later clarified that there was one confirmed death, with several others sustaining critical injuries. Senior Superintendent of Police (Dehradun-rural) Jaya Baluni provided details to media, stating: "Kusum was run over by a truck during the chaotic collision sequence."
Emergency teams from both Dehradun and Haridwar districts rushed to the accident site immediately after receiving reports of the crash. Firefighters worked diligently to extinguish the blaze that had erupted following the CNG cylinder explosion. All injured individuals were promptly shifted to Mela Hospital in Haridwar for urgent medical treatment.
Highway Safety Concerns Raised
This tragic incident has once again highlighted serious concerns about road safety on major highways, particularly during periods of increased traffic flow associated with religious festivals and events. The Doon-Haridwar highway, which serves as a vital transportation corridor, has witnessed multiple accidents in recent years, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
The investigation into the exact causes of the multi-vehicle collision continues, with authorities examining factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, and potential driver error. The victims' families are receiving support from local authorities as they cope with this sudden tragedy that has left their community in mourning.
