A tragic road accident, blamed on severely reduced visibility caused by heavy fog, claimed two lives and left one person seriously injured in West Singhbhum district on Monday. The fatal collision involved a car and a speeding truck near Thalko village.
Sequence of the Fatal Collision
The accident occurred on the busy Chaibasa-Seraikela road. According to preliminary information, a truck en route to Seraikela collided head-on with a car coming from the opposite direction. The impact of the crash was so severe that it completely mangled the car.
The driver of the car died instantly at the spot. A passenger, who was in the co-driver's seat, succumbed to injuries while being rushed to the Seraikela Sadar Hospital. A third occupant of the car survived but sustained multiple injuries and remains hospitalised.
Victims Identified, Driver Absconds
The police have identified the two deceased. They are Gunjan Yadav (34), a resident of Ulidih in Mango, and Mukhtar Ansari (39), who lived in Kapali, Chandil. The injured passenger's details are yet to be fully disclosed.
In a concerning development, the driver of the truck allegedly fled the accident site immediately after the collision. A search is likely underway for the absconding driver.
Police Cite Fog as Primary Cause
Local villagers alerted the authorities, following which a police team from the Pandrasali outpost reached the location. Meghnath Mandal, the in-charge of the police outpost, stated that dense fog appears to be the main cause behind the deadly accident.
"The accident occurred at a curve on the road," Mandal said. "It seems that due to the heavy fog, the driver of the car could not clearly see the vehicle coming from the opposite direction, leading to the collision." The investigation into the exact circumstances is ongoing.
This incident highlights the recurring danger posed by dense winter fog on highways in the Kolhan region, often leading to fatal outcomes. It serves as a grim reminder for motorists to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and use appropriate lights during such low-visibility conditions.
