Ghaziabad Tractor Driver Killed, Seven Injured in NH-9 Bus Collision
A tragic road accident on National Highway 9 in Ghaziabad resulted in the death of a tractor driver and injuries to seven others, including the driver of a roadways bus. The collision occurred in the early hours of Monday in the Crossing Republik area, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to Wave City Assistant Commissioner of Police Priyashri Pal, the accident took place around 4:30 am. The deceased has been identified as Ajay Yadav, a 30-year-old resident of Lal Kuan. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of the Pilibhit depot bus, Vipin Kumar, aged 30, allegedly fell asleep near Rahul Vihar, leading to the bus ramming into the tractor from behind.
Vipin Kumar sustained critical injuries in the crash and is currently receiving treatment at GTB Hospital. In response to the incident, police have seized both the bus and the tractor for further investigation.
Severe Impact and Aftermath
Officials described the collision as having a severe impact. The force of the crash caused the tractor to ram into the divider, breaking its front axle. Ajay Yadav was thrown approximately 20 feet off NH-9 onto the service road below. The tractor was transporting iron rods, some of which penetrated the bus during the collision, adding to the chaos and danger.
An officer involved in the case stated, "Commuters alerted the police, and a team reached the spot promptly. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Yadav was declared dead on arrival. Initial findings suggest the bus was headed towards Delhi, and most passengers were asleep at the time. The driver was also drowsy and crashed into the tractor."
Injured Passengers and Public Reaction
The injured individuals include:
- Ankit, 28, from Gram Negpur Subhash Nagar Bareilly
- Vikas, 18, from Nawabganj Bareilly
- Kamal, 25, from Gram Suchaiya Jhajhar Dewana Pithoragarh
- Akhlaq Ahmad, 42, from Gram Duhai Tanda Bareilly
- Ikram, 30, from Mayur Vihar Phase 3 Delhi
- Krishna Mandal, 35, from Bhura Colony Yora Husainpur Pilibhit
All seven injured passengers were discharged after receiving first aid treatment. In the aftermath of the collision, some passengers, angered by the incident, reportedly pelted stones at the bus and damaged its windows. Police noted that no formal complaint has been filed regarding this vandalism so far.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
This accident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety on busy highways like NH-9, particularly during early morning hours when driver fatigue can be a significant risk factor. The involvement of a public transport bus raises questions about adherence to safety protocols and driver alertness. Authorities are likely to review measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of rest periods for drivers.
The community in Ghaziabad and surrounding areas is urged to remain vigilant and report any unsafe driving practices to help enhance road safety for all commuters.
