Tragic Road Accident Claims Three Lives on Maghi Purnima in Patna
In a heartbreaking incident on Sunday morning, three devotees lost their lives in a severe road accident on National Highway-33 near Karkain village. The victims, all residents of Lodipur village in Sheikhpura district, were en route to Mokama to take a sacred dip in the Ganga river on the auspicious occasion of Maghi Purnima when tragedy struck.
Details of the Fatal Collision
According to police reports, the accident occurred around 11:40 AM when a speeding truck violently collided with a modified autorickshaw from behind. The autorickshaw, which was carrying more than six passengers at the time, proved no match for the impact of the heavy vehicle. The force of the crash resulted in immediate fatalities and serious injuries among the occupants.
Victims and Their Identities
The deceased have been identified as:
- Munni Manjhi (35), son of Prayag Manjhi
- Mahesh Manjhi (36), son of Chand Manjhi
- Sanjay Manjhi (40), son of Ramswaroop Manjhi
Munni Manjhi and Mahesh Manjhi died instantly at the accident site, while Sanjay Manjhi succumbed to his injuries during treatment at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH). All three were residents of Lodipur village under the Mehus police station area of Sheikhpura district.
Injured Victims and Ongoing Treatment
Two other passengers sustained serious injuries in the devastating collision:
- Ashok Manjhi, son of Lacho Manjhi
- Ghanshyam Manjhi, son of Bachchu Manjhi
Both injured individuals are currently receiving medical care at PMCH, where doctors are monitoring their condition closely. The severity of their injuries underscores the violent nature of the accident that disrupted what was meant to be a spiritual journey.
Police Response and Investigation
Upon receiving information about the accident, officers from Ghoswari police station in Mokama promptly arrived at the scene. They arranged for the transportation of the bodies to a government hospital for postmortem examinations as part of standard investigative procedures.
Station House Officer Satyam Tiwari provided crucial details about the incident, confirming that the truck driver fled the scene with his vehicle after the collision. "All the deceased and injured hail from Lodipur village, and they were traveling to Mokama to take a holy dip in the Ganga on Maghi Purnima," Tiwari stated, highlighting the religious significance of their journey that ended so tragically.
Broader Context and Safety Concerns
This tragic event brings attention to several pressing issues on Indian roads, particularly on busy national highways like NH-33. The involvement of a modified autorickshaw carrying excess passengers raises questions about vehicle safety regulations and compliance. Furthermore, the fleeing of the truck driver after the accident points to challenges in enforcing accountability on Indian roadways.
The timing of the accident during Maghi Purnima—a significant Hindu festival when thousands undertake pilgrimages to sacred rivers—adds a layer of communal sorrow to the personal tragedies experienced by the families of the victims. Such incidents during religious observances often prompt discussions about improving safety measures for pilgrims traveling to holy sites.
As investigations continue into the exact circumstances of the collision, this accident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety measures, especially during periods of increased religious travel when roads see heightened traffic from devotees undertaking spiritual journeys across the country.
