Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Two Truck Drivers During Rescue Mission on Delhi-Meerut Expressway
A heartbreaking incident unfolded on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) in the early hours of Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of two truck drivers who had stopped to help a fellow driver trapped in his vehicle. The tragic event, which occurred near the Sector 62 roundabout and a foot-over-bridge, has highlighted the dangers faced by Good Samaritans on India's busy highways.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Fatal Collision
According to police reports, the chain of events began around midnight on Monday when a stationary truck was struck from behind by a mini truck. The driver of the mini truck, identified as Hari Om, became trapped inside his vehicle following the initial impact.
The driver of the stationary truck, Devendra, managed to exit his vehicle and began waving down passing trucks for assistance. Three other truck drivers responded to his calls for help, bringing the total number of rescuers to four.
"While the group was attempting to pull Om from the vehicle, a vegetable-laden truck struck them, killing two people on the spot, including Devendra," stated Station House Officer (SHO) Amit Tomar of Sector 58 police station.
Casualties and Injuries from the Tragic Incident
The deceased have been identified as:
- Devendra, 34, a resident of Shahjahanpur
- Govind, 35, a resident of Azamgarh
Three individuals sustained injuries in the accident:
- Virendra, 24, from Shahjahanpur
- Sahil, 21, from Baghpat
- Hari Om, 35, from Mangolpuri in Northwest Delhi
Remarkably, Hari Om—the driver the group was attempting to rescue—suffered only minor leg injuries despite being trapped in his vehicle during the initial crash. He is currently undergoing treatment along with the other injured individuals.
Police Response and Investigation Details
Local residents immediately contacted emergency helpline 112 following the accident. A police team promptly arrived at the scene and transported the injured to a nearby hospital, where two victims unfortunately succumbed to their injuries.
All vehicles involved in the incident have been towed to the Sector 58 police station for further examination. The driver of the vegetable-laden truck that struck the rescuers has been detained by authorities.
"An investigation is underway to determine whether Devendra's truck was moving slowly or had stalled on the DME," explained SHO Tomar. "Om's condition is stable, while the other two who were helping him are critical."
The families of the deceased have arrived to claim the bodies, which have been sent for post-mortem examination. Police officials have indicated they will register a formal case once the families file a complaint regarding the incident.
Broader Implications for Road Safety and Emergency Response
This tragic event raises important questions about highway safety protocols and emergency response mechanisms on India's expressways. The 96-kilometer Delhi-Meerut Expressway, while designed to improve connectivity between the two cities, continues to witness accidents that claim lives.
The incident underscores the risks faced by those who stop to help accident victims on high-speed roads, particularly during nighttime hours when visibility may be reduced. It also highlights the need for improved emergency lane protocols and better lighting in accident-prone areas.
As investigations continue, authorities are examining all aspects of the collision, including vehicle conditions, driver fatigue factors, and potential mechanical failures that may have contributed to this devastating chain of events.
