Ujjain Road Accident: Tractor Driver Killed, Van Set Ablaze After Collision
A tragic road accident near Ujjain late Friday night resulted in the death of a tractor-trolley driver and injuries to several others, sparking violent protests from local villagers. The incident occurred on Agra Road near the Tulahedra toll plaza, where a van carrying passengers from Delhi collided with a wheat-laden tractor-trolley from behind.
Details of the Fatal Collision
According to Ghattia police station in-charge Karan Khowal, the impact of the collision caused the tractor-trolley to veer off the road and overturn. The driver, identified as Vijay Solanki from Brahman Kheda village, was tragically trapped under the tractor and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His associate, Rajesh Sharma, who was seated in the trolley, sustained injuries in the accident.
The van involved in the collision was transporting 24 passengers en route to Ujjain. The van driver, Shivkumar, a resident of Punjab, along with four passengers including two children, were injured in the crash. All injured individuals were promptly taken to medical facilities for treatment.
Villagers' Violent Reaction and Traffic Blockade
Enraged by the accident and the sight of Solanki trapped under the tractor, local villagers gathered at the scene and set the van on fire. Police teams from Ghattia, Raghavi, and Panbeehar stations quickly responded to the situation, with the fire brigade extinguishing the blaze to prevent further damage.
The villagers escalated their protest by blocking traffic at the Tulahedra toll plaza. They leveled serious allegations against toll staff, claiming that the toll's crane arrived late at the accident site, which they believe cost Solanki his life. Furthermore, they alleged that when the crane finally arrived, it lacked the necessary strap to lift the tractor, exacerbating the situation.
Damage and Demands for Accountability
The accident resulted in significant material damage beyond the tragic loss of life. The wheat loaded in the trolley spilled and was completely damaged, representing an economic loss for those involved. Villagers demanded immediate action against toll staff for what they perceived as gross negligence in their response to the emergency.
Police assured the protesters that an inquiry would be conducted into the matter, following which the traffic blockade was eventually lifted. The injured were transported to Ujjain's Charak Hospital, where van driver Shivkumar is currently undergoing treatment. Two other injured passengers have been admitted to a private hospital for medical care.
Legal Actions and Official Response
Karan Khowal confirmed that a case has been registered against the van driver for his involvement in the collision. Additionally, an arson case has been filed on the complaint of the van owner regarding the vehicle being set on fire by villagers.
Following a formal complaint by the villagers, Panbeehar police wrote to the toll company regarding the alleged negligence of the crane operator. In response to these allegations, the toll company removed the crane operator from duty pending further investigation into the matter.
This incident highlights critical concerns about road safety, emergency response protocols at toll plazas, and the need for proper equipment and timely assistance in accident situations. The tragic loss of life and subsequent violence underscore the importance of effective disaster management systems on India's highways.
