A tragic incident in Indore has claimed a second life, as a 60-year-old woman succumbed to severe burn injuries on Wednesday morning. The fatal injuries were sustained when the battery of the e-rickshaw she was travelling in with her daughter exploded violently last Saturday.
Chronology of a Tragedy
The mother and her daughter, identified as Pavitra Bai, were on their way from Niranjanpur in Lasudia. Their journey turned into a nightmare when the e-rickshaw's battery suddenly exploded near an eye centre falling under the Vijay Nagar police station area. The vehicle was instantly engulfed in flames, leaving both women with critical burns.
They were rushed to the burns unit of MY Hospital for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts, Pavitra Bai passed away on Monday morning. Her mother fought for her life for two more days but ultimately died during treatment on Wednesday morning.
Police Investigation Points to Unauthorised Modification
Vijay Nagar police have swiftly registered a case against the e-rickshaw driver, Arun Gupta. Preliminary investigations by the authorities have revealed a critical and potentially illegal modification to the vehicle.
Additional DCP Amrendra Singh stated that an extra, unauthorised battery was installed in the e-rickshaw. The initial probe suggests that a fault in this illegally fitted battery likely caused the catastrophic blast. "An additional unauthorised battery was installed in the vehicle. Prima facie, a fault in it appeared to be the cause of the blast. Further probe was on," Singh told reporters.
Safety Concerns and Ongoing Probe
This heartbreaking accident in Indore has cast a harsh spotlight on the safety standards and modifications prevalent in the e-rickshaw ecosystem. The installation of uncertified or additional batteries to extend range is a known risk, posing a significant fire hazard.
The police investigation is ongoing to determine the exact technical failure and to ascertain any further lapses in safety compliance. The case underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of regulations governing electric vehicle modifications to prevent such devastating loss of life in the future.
