A brief stop to collect a wedding gift turned tragic for three siblings in Lohardaga after a speeding truck crushed them to death late on Friday. The victims, Rohit Kumar Sahu (25) and his sisters Sapna (22) and Srishti (17), had stepped out of a shopping mall after buying a present and were heading to a wedding on their scooter when the truck, coming from the opposite direction, hit them.
Details of the Incident
According to police, Sapna and Srishti died on the spot, while Rohit succumbed to injuries while being taken to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi. The truck driver fled the scene, but police seized the vehicle. The siblings were residents of Barwatoli locality in Lohardaga. Locals informed police that Sapna had recently married, and Rohit's wedding had been fixed.
Road Safety Concerns Raised
The deaths have once again sparked road safety concerns in the area. Lohardaga Superintendent of Police Sadique Anwar Rizwi stated, We are exploring what can be done to prevent recurrence of such incidents. The town has a single passage used by both residents and heavy vehicles. He added that entry of heavy vehicles is banned on weekly market days (Monday and Friday). Regarding permanent speed-control measures, the SP said, It is possible, but the decision lies with the road construction department.
Expert Opinion on Road Safety
Kunal Abhishek, a member of the district road safety committee, noted that trucks laden with bauxite speed through the town to unload and return to mines in Netarhat plateau as soon as the no-entry ban for heavy vehicles is lifted at 7 pm. He said, Over 150 people died in road accidents in Lohardaga in the past 1.5 years. There must be fixed speed limits in towns and public places. Companies must ensure bauxite-laden trucks have radium strips on the rear. Only helmet and document checks will not solve the problem.
