Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Three Educators in Rajkot District
In a devastating incident that has shocked the community, three teachers from Chhota Udepur district lost their lives in a horrific car accident near Davda village in the Atkot police station area of Jasdan taluka, Rajkot district. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Friday when their vehicle plunged off a bridge and immediately caught fire, leaving the occupants with no chance of escape.
Victims Identified as Dedicated Educators
The deceased have been identified as Asha Chaudhary (45), Nita Patel (29), and Prayag Bariya (35), who was driving the CNG-fuelled car at the time of the accident. According to police sources, Chaudhary and Patel were both employed at Ganthiya Primary School in Chhota Udepur, while Bariya served at Moti Sadhli Primary School, highlighting their commitment to education in the region.
Journey to Meet Family Ends in Tragedy
The three occupants were traveling to Gondal town to meet Chaudhary's elder son, Kashyap, who resides there. What should have been a family reunion turned into an unimaginable tragedy when their vehicle met with the fatal accident. A police officer involved in the investigation stated, "The vehicle caught fire immediately. The flames spread rapidly, leaving the occupants with no chance to escape."
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
The incident was first reported by a passer-by who alerted emergency services. Responding to the call, a 108 ambulance, the Gondal municipality fire brigade, and Atkot police personnel rushed to the scene. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze, but faced significant challenges in accessing the victims.
The locked doors of the vehicle initially prevented rescue attempts, requiring firefighters to use a hammer to force them open. Inside, they discovered three completely charred bodies, a grim testament to the intensity of the fire that engulfed the car.
Investigation Points to Possible Causes
Police authorities have begun investigating the circumstances that led to this tragic accident. Preliminary suspicions point toward poor visibility due to foggy conditions that are common in the area during early morning hours. Another possibility being considered is that the driver may have dozed off while behind the wheel.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Naveen Chakravarthy Repudi provided details about the investigation, stating, "Based on the vehicle's registration number, we confirmed that it is registered in Chhota Udepur. Their relatives are expected to reach Rajkot soon."
Official Procedures and Community Impact
The postmortem examination of the victims was conducted at Rajkot Civil Hospital as part of standard investigative procedures. A formal complaint has been lodged at the Atkot police station by Chaudhary's son, initiating the legal documentation process for this tragic incident.
This accident has not only claimed three valuable lives but has also created a void in the educational community of Chhota Udepur district. The loss of these dedicated teachers serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly during early morning travel when visibility may be compromised and driver fatigue can become a significant risk factor.
The local community and educational institutions are expected to mourn the loss of these educators while authorities continue their investigation to determine the exact cause of this heartbreaking accident that has left families devastated and colleagues in mourning.
