The city of Chandigarh was struck by tragedy this week as two separate road accidents claimed the lives of two individuals. The incidents, occurring in the Mauli Jagran area and at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), have once again highlighted the pressing concerns over road safety in the region.
Mauli Jagran Accident: Instant Death for 26-Year-Old
In a devastating incident on Monday afternoon, a young man lost his life in the Mauli Jagran area. The victim has been identified as Nikhil Garg, a 26-year-old resident of Rajiv Colony in Panchkula. According to police reports, Nikhil was employed with a scrap dealer and was traveling on his scooter towards the Housing Board sector.
The accident occurred near the main gate of the Nirankari Bhawan. Preliminary investigations suggest that Nikhil came too close to a heavy truck moving ahead of him. This maneuver caused him to lose his balance and fall from his two-wheeler. Despite the fact that he was wearing a helmet for protection, the rear tyre of the truck ran over his head, leading to his instantaneous death at the scene.
In a callous act, the driver of the truck fled from the location, abandoning the vehicle. Police have launched an investigation to trace the absconding driver and are examining the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
PGIMER Patient Succumbs After 11-Day Battle
In another heartbreaking case, a man who had been fighting for his life for nearly two weeks finally succumbed to his injuries. Bishan Lal passed away on Sunday at PGIMER, where he was undergoing intensive treatment. He had sustained severe injuries in a previous road accident that occurred on November 20.
Despite the best efforts of medical professionals at the premier institute, Bishan Lal could not recover from the trauma inflicted by the crash. His death marks the second fatality from road mishaps in the city within a short span, casting a somber shadow over the community.
A Grim Reminder of Road Safety Failures
These two fatal incidents serve as a stark and grim reminder of the vulnerabilities on Indian roads. The death of Nikhil Garg, even while wearing a helmet, points to the extreme danger posed by heavy vehicles and the critical importance of maintaining safe distance. The hit-and-run aspect of the Mauli Jagran case further compounds the tragedy, denying the victim's family immediate accountability.
The demise of Bishan Lal after a prolonged 11-day struggle underscores how road accidents often lead to extended suffering for victims and their families, even if the initial impact is not immediately fatal. Together, these cases amplify urgent calls for:
- Stricter enforcement of traffic rules, especially concerning heavy vehicle movement and lane discipline.
- Enhanced public awareness campaigns on safe driving practices, including maintaining safe distance from larger vehicles.
- Swift action against hit-and-run drivers to ensure justice for victims.
- Continued improvement in emergency medical response for accident victims.
The local authorities are expected to review these incidents and potentially initiate measures to prevent similar tragedies on the roads of Chandigarh and its surrounding areas.
