A peaceful morning routine in Mumbai ended in tragedy recently when a 65-year-old woman lost her life after being struck by an autorickshaw. The fatal incident occurred in the suburb of Khar, highlighting yet again the dangers pedestrians face on city roads.
The Fatal Morning Walk in Khar
The victim, a senior citizen, was following her disciplined daily regimen of a morning walk. She would consistently leave her home at 4.30 am and return by 8.30 am. However, on that fateful Saturday, she did not return home. Her family, who was waiting to take her for a scheduled medical check-up, grew anxious when she did not arrive back at the usual time.
Her son immediately went out to search for her but was unable to locate her. The grim news reached the family through a neighbour who worked at the Bhabha Hospital. The neighbour urgently asked them to rush to the hospital, where the woman had been admitted.
Driver's Actions and Police Case
The auto driver involved in the incident has been identified as Kailash Singh. After the collision, Singh took the injured woman to Bhabha Hospital. Despite being brought for medical attention, the elderly victim succumbed to her injuries at 5.30 am.
Following the tragedy, the local police have taken legal action. An FIR (First Information Report) has been registered against the auto driver, Kailash Singh. The case marks the beginning of a formal investigation into the circumstances that led to the pedestrian's death.
A Community in Mourning and Broader Safety Concerns
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community in Khar. It underscores a persistent issue in many Indian cities: the lack of safe infrastructure for pedestrians, especially during early morning hours when visibility might be lower and many elderly residents take their walks.
This road accident in Mumbai raises critical questions about road safety, driver accountability, and the need for designated, well-lit walking paths. The death of a senior citizen during such a routine activity is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by pedestrians.
The family's plan for a ordinary day, which included a medical check-up, was irrevocably shattered by this sudden loss. The incident serves as a somber call for increased vigilance from both drivers and civic authorities to prevent such tragedies in the future.
