Tragic School Auto Accident Claims Young Life in Gumla
A devastating road accident involving a school autorickshaw has resulted in the death of a nine-year-old girl and left another seven-year-old student critically injured in Gumla district, Jharkhand. The incident occurred on Wednesday under the jurisdiction of the Basia police station, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The autorickshaw, carrying nine students to school, overturned near Badatoli village. Eyewitnesses reported to police that the three-wheeler was traveling at excessive speed when the driver suddenly lost control, causing the vehicle to flip over completely.
The deceased has been identified as Akansha Kumari, a native of Maharajganj village who was staying with her mother Sushma Devi at her maternal uncle's home in Gangdagaon village. In a heartbreaking detail, Akansha had reportedly told her mother that morning that she did not want to go to school because her shoes were torn.
The injured student is Annu Kerketta, aged seven, who sustained critical injuries in the accident. Following the incident, Akansha's body was transported to Gumla Sadar Hospital for postmortem examination, while Annu was admitted to Basia Referral Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Police Investigation and Driver's Statement
Krishna Kumar, the officer-in-charge of Basia police station, confirmed that authorities have taken swift action in response to the tragedy. "An FIR has been filed against the driver, and the vehicle has been seized for further investigation," Kumar stated.
The driver offered a concerning explanation for the accident, claiming he was experiencing dizziness just before losing control of the autorickshaw. This statement has raised serious questions about driver fitness and vehicle safety standards for school transportation.
Broader Implications for Student Safety
This tragic incident highlights several critical issues:
- The safety of school transportation in rural areas
- The need for stricter regulations on autorickshaw operations
- Importance of regular vehicle maintenance and driver fitness checks
- The vulnerability of young children during daily commutes to educational institutions
The accident has left the local community in mourning, particularly as it involved such young victims on their way to pursue education. Authorities continue their investigation while families grapple with the devastating consequences of this preventable tragedy.
