Surat Tragedy: Father and Daughter Die After Kite String Entangles Motorcycle on Bridge
A heartbreaking accident in Surat claimed two lives on Wednesday evening. A 35-year-old man and his seven-year-old daughter died after their motorcycle got entangled in a nylon kite string on a busy flyover.
The Fatal Incident on Jilani Bridge
The tragedy unfolded on the Chandra Shekhar Azad bridge, commonly known as Jilani bridge. Rehan Shaikh, a resident of Saiyedpura in Surat, was riding his motorcycle with his family. His wife Rehana, 30, sat behind him while their daughter Alisha rode between them.
The family was heading to Subhash Garden at Morabhagal to enjoy the Uttarayan festival holiday. As they crossed the bridge, disaster struck. A nylon kite string suddenly entangled their moving motorcycle.
The Desperate Struggle and Fatal Fall
Police reports reveal the terrifying moments that followed. Rehan Shaikh tried to remove the kite string with one hand while controlling his bike with the other. The motorcycle was traveling at high speed when he lost control.
The vehicle slammed into the bridge's outer railing. The impact threw Rehan and his daughter Alisha approximately 70 feet to the ground below. Both died instantly at the scene.
Rehana, the wife and mother, fell onto a parked auto-rickshaw. She sustained critical injuries and remains hospitalized in serious condition.
Police Investigation and Family Details
H N Parmar, sub-inspector at Rander police station, provided details about the case. "Rehan worked in a private firm," Parmar stated. "Since it was a holiday for the Uttarayan festival, he was taking his family to a garden at Morabhagal on his bike. We have recorded statements from eyewitnesses. His wife continues to fight for her life under medical care."
The Rander police have registered the case as an accidental death. They transferred the bodies to New Civil Hospital for post-mortem examination. Investigators have launched a full probe into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
This incident has shocked the Surat community during what should have been a festive period. The Uttarayan festival, celebrated with kite flying across Gujarat, now carries the weight of this tragedy.
Local residents express growing concerns about public safety during kite festivals. Nylon kite strings, known as "manja," have caused numerous accidents in the past. These sharp strings can pose serious dangers to motorists, pedestrians, and even birds.
The accident highlights the need for increased safety measures during popular festivals. Authorities may need to consider stricter regulations regarding kite flying near busy roads and bridges.
As the investigation continues, the Surat community mourns the loss of a father and his young daughter. Their family faces an unimaginable tragedy during what should have been a joyful holiday celebration.
