A tragic hit-and-run incident late on Sunday night claimed the life of a 70-year-old man near Chiloda Circle in Ahmedabad. The victim, identified as Lakshman Patel, a resident of Bapunagar, was struck by a speeding truck while crossing the road.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The accident occurred when Lakshman Patel was returning from a religious function in Mehsana with his brothers, Natwar Patel and Purshottam Patel. The trio had visited Shankarpura village in Mehsana earlier that day and were driving back to Ahmedabad in Purshottam's car.
Upon reaching the busy Chiloda Circle, they encountered the typical late-night traffic congestion. To avoid the jam, Purshottam decided to take a U-turn towards Himatnagar via the Mahundra bridge route. As the car slowed down in the bottleneck, Lakshman and Natwar stepped out to cross the road from beneath the bridge.
Driver Flees the Scene After Fatal Collision
According to the Chiloda police investigating the case, a truck approaching at high speed from the Himmatnagar side rammed into Lakshman Patel as he attempted to cross. The rear wheels of the truck ran over him, causing instantaneous death as his brother Natwar watched in shock.
The truck driver did not stop to help. Instead, in a callous act, he drove a short distance ahead, pulled the vehicle over, abandoned it, and fled the scene on foot. Several bystanders rushed to the location and later informed the police.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Chiloda police arrived promptly, cleared the traffic buildup, and seized the abandoned truck. Officers have booked the absconding driver for causing death by negligence and fleeing the accident spot.
The investigation is now focused on tracing the driver. Police are examining CCTV footage from roads leading to the circle and checking the vehicle's registration details. A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
An official stated that the preliminary investigation indicates rash and high-speed driving as the cause of the fatal accident. A further probe is currently underway.
