Ghaziabad Siblings Injured in Bridge Gap Accident, Officials Order Repair
A brother-sister duo sustained injuries on Thursday night in Ghaziabad's Modinagar area after an unidentified vehicle hit their scooter, causing them to collide with a bridge wall and fall into a drain. The incident occurred in the Govindpuri locality, highlighting a long-standing safety hazard at the site.
Details of the Accident and Rescue Operation
The siblings, identified as 17-year-old Sakshi and her brother Ajay Singh, were returning home from their uncle's anniversary party when the accident took place. According to ACP (Modinagar) Amit Saxena, they were crossing an old bridge over the Modinagar drain, which runs parallel to a new bridge. The old bridge has a low parapet and a gap of about three feet between the two structures, with no warning signs in place.
An unknown vehicle struck their scooter, causing it to hit a wall. The impact sent both siblings falling through the gap into the drain below, while their scooter remained on the road. Passersby noticed the incident and attempted a rescue but were unsuccessful, prompting them to call the police.
The rescue operation took approximately an hour. Ajay Singh, who was stuck between the walls of the two bridges, was rescued in less than 10 minutes and suffered only minor injuries. He was released after treatment. However, Sakshi fell four feet deep into the drain and was trapped there for about an hour before being rescued using a rope. She sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the ICU.
History of the Bridge as a Blackspot
This accident is not an isolated incident. The old bridge has been a decades-old blackspot for accidents due to its hazardous design. It features a mere 2-3 foot dilapidated guardrail, which often leads people to miss the gap, especially during periods of low visibility. Just a month ago, a four-wheeler also got stuck in the gap between the two bridges.
Locals have repeatedly demanded that the gap be filled to prevent such accidents, but no action was taken until now. The bridge's history dates back to 2011 when former municipal chairman Ramasare Sharma went on a hunger strike demanding the widening of the Delhi-Meerut road. As part of that project, the drain was widened, and a new bridge was constructed over it from Meerut towards Ghaziabad. The old bridge remained on the Ghaziabad to Meerut side, creating the dangerous gap.
Official Response and Inspection
Following the accident, SDM Modinagar Ajit Kumar Singh, tehsildar Rajat Singh, and municipal officials visited the spot to conduct an inspection. SDM Ajit Singh stated that after discussions with the executive officer of the municipal council, orders have been given to fill the gap within a week. This move aims to address the safety concerns that have plagued the area for years.
The incident underscores the urgent need for better infrastructure maintenance and road safety measures in urban areas. With officials now taking steps to rectify the issue, residents hope for a safer commuting environment in Modinagar.
