Second Tragic Bike Accident Near Kolkata's ESI Hospital Claims One Life, Injures Another
In a distressing recurrence of road tragedy, a fatal bike accident occurred near ESI Hospital in Joka, Kolkata, barely 26 hours after two MBBS students lost their lives in a similar crash. The latest incident, which took place in the early hours of Monday, resulted in the death of a pillion rider and left the rider with severe injuries, highlighting ongoing safety concerns on this stretch of road.
Details of the Monday Morning Collision
The accident was reported close to the main gate of ESI Hospital around 5:15 AM on Monday. According to police, the bike was attempting to take a U-turn from the Behala-bound flank of Diamond Harbour Road towards the opposite direction when the rider lost control. The pillion rider fell onto the road, and both individuals were struck by an unidentified small goods vehicle that fled the scene immediately after the collision.
The victims have been identified as Arup Mondal, a 40-year-old resident of Sonamukhi near Sarsuna, who was declared brought dead at the hospital at approximately 5:47 AM, and Debashis Sarnakar, a 33-year-old also from Sonamukhi, who sustained injuries. Sarnakar received primary treatment at ESIC Hospital before being referred to NRS Hospital, where his condition is stated to be serious.
Police Investigation and Witness Accounts
Thakurpukur Police have registered a case against the driver of the goods vehicle, who is accused of driving in a rash and negligent manner. Witnesses reported that the bike seemed to be entering the ESIC Hospital premises from Diamond Harbour Road when it attempted the U-turn and lost balance. The goods vehicle, traveling from south to north, allegedly struck the two-wheeler without stopping to assist the injured bikers.
Police efforts are currently focused on identifying the goods vehicle and its driver, as well as establishing the precise sequence of events leading to the collision. This incident occurred approximately 2.5 kilometers away from the site of Sunday's accident, which claimed the lives of two MBBS students from ESI Hospital while they were returning to their hostel.
Context and Broader Implications
This back-to-back tragedy underscores the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures in the area, particularly near hospital zones where traffic can be heavy and unpredictable. The community is reeling from the loss of young lives in the previous accident, and this latest fatality adds to the growing concern over reckless driving and inadequate infrastructure.
- The first accident involved two MBBS students who died in a bike crash on James Long Sarani early Sunday morning.
- The second accident, on Monday, resulted in one death and one serious injury near the same hospital.
- Both incidents highlight risks associated with U-turns and fleeing vehicles in Kolkata's traffic.
Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules, while investigations continue to hold accountable those responsible for these preventable tragedies.
