Tragic Collision on Pilibhit Highway Claims Young Life
A devastating road accident on the Pilibhit-Basti National Highway 730 resulted in the death of an 11-year-old boy and left at least 24 individuals injured. The incident occurred in the Gajraula area of Pilibhit district during the early hours of Tuesday, casting a shadow over the region.
Fog and Stray Cattle Blamed for Catastrophic Crash
Police authorities reported that dense fog around 2 am severely hampered visibility, creating hazardous driving conditions. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of a speeding truck lost control while attempting to avoid stray cattle that suddenly appeared on the highway. This critical maneuver led to a violent collision with a Nepal-bound bus traveling on the same route.
The impact of the crash was catastrophic. The truck overturned completely, while the bus veered off the road and plunged into a roadside ditch. The sudden collision caused widespread panic among the passengers, many of whom were asleep at the time of the accident. The chaotic scene prompted immediate action from locals and passers-by, who quickly alerted the police.
Swift Rescue Operations and Medical Response
Police teams rushed to the accident site promptly after receiving the distress call. They launched comprehensive rescue operations to assist the victims. Station House Officer Brijveer Singh provided details, stating, "Police teams reached the spot immediately after receiving information and shifted the injured to a nearby government hospital."
At the hospital, the young victim, identified as Subhan, was declared brought dead. His body was subsequently handed over to family members following a postmortem examination. Medical personnel reported that several of the injured passengers sustained fractures and head injuries, though their conditions were described as stable. Authorities confirmed that no formal complaint had been received regarding the incident at that time.
Details About the Passengers and Aftermath
The bus involved in the collision was carrying 47 Nepali citizens, excluding the driver. These individuals were traveling from Nepal to New Delhi, where they were scheduled to engage in labor work for Delhi-based construction companies. Following the accident, arrangements were made by the bus operator to transport the remaining passengers to their intended destination.
To restore normal traffic flow on the crucial national highway, the damaged vehicles were removed from the accident site. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety during adverse weather conditions and the persistent issue of stray animals on Indian highways.