Patna Police Personnel Narrowly Escape Injury in Early Morning Truck Collision
In a harrowing incident early Saturday, three police personnel had a narrow escape when a speeding sand-laden truck rammed into their Dial 112 emergency response vehicle near Bhakri Bridge under the Dhanarua police station area in Patna. The accident occurred between 1 am and 2 am, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement on duty.
Sequence of Events and Immediate Aftermath
According to police reports, the truck was traveling from Masaurhi towards Beldarichak when it lost control near the bridge. It first struck the police vehicle, then crashed into the railing and caught fire. The driver fled the scene immediately after the collision, abandoning the vehicle.
The Dial 112 vehicle sustained significant damage but did not catch fire, which likely prevented more severe consequences. Following the impact, all four tyres of the truck ignited after a loud screeching sound, prompting authorities to call a fire brigade team to douse the flames.
Injuries and Medical Response
The injured personnel included ASI Mohammad Aslam Qureshi, female constable Munni Kumari, and driver Dilip Kumar. All three suffered minor injuries and were promptly taken to a nearby hospital. They received first aid and were later discharged, confirming their stable condition.
Police have arrested the truck's cleaner, Pankaj Kumar, a resident of Jehanabad district. During interrogation, Kumar claimed he was asleep at the time of the accident and stated that the driver fled, asserting it was not his fault. Authorities are actively investigating this claim as part of the broader inquiry.
Police Investigation and Ongoing Efforts
Dhanarua SHO Amit Kumar provided details on the incident, emphasizing that all officers in the SUV are safe despite the severity of the collision. He noted that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause, with over-speeding suspected as a primary factor.
Efforts are currently focused on tracing and arresting the absconding truck driver, who remains at large. The police are reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements to piece together the events leading up to the accident.
Broader Implications for Road Safety
This incident underscores critical issues related to road safety and emergency response protocols in Patna. The Dial 112 service is a vital component of the city's emergency infrastructure, and such collisions pose risks not only to personnel but also to public safety.
- Increased vigilance on highways, especially during late-night hours.
- Stricter enforcement of speed limits for commercial vehicles.
- Enhanced training for emergency responders to handle similar situations.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to release further updates. The community is urged to cooperate with police efforts to ensure such accidents are minimized in the future.
