Tragic Ambulance Crash on NH-44 Claims Two Lives, Leaves One Injured
A devastating road accident in Kamareddy district has resulted in the deaths of an ambulance driver and a patient, with her husband sustaining serious injuries. The collision occurred in the early hours of the morning on National Highway-44, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The incident took place around 12:45 AM near Bhiknoor when a private travel bus, en route from Hyderabad to Varanasi, violently crashed into the rear of an ambulance. The ambulance was transporting a 60-year-old patient, Saleha Banu, and her 70-year-old husband, Saifullah Khan, from Hyderabad to their home in Adilabad. The impact of the high-speed collision was so severe that it claimed the lives of both the ambulance driver, 33-year-old Shaik Sardar, and Saleha Banu instantly at the scene.
Saifullah Khan suffered multiple injuries in the crash and was promptly rushed to the Kamareddy area hospital, where he is currently undergoing medical treatment. His condition remains under close observation by healthcare professionals.
Vehicle and Driver Information
The ambulance involved bore a Chhattisgarh registration number and was being operated by Shaik Sardar, a resident of Rakasipet village in Bodhan mandal. According to police reports, the collision occurred shortly after the ambulance had crossed the Rameshwarpally bridge. Remarkably, approximately 20 pilgrims traveling on the bus escaped unharmed, highlighting the focused nature of the impact on the ambulance.
Legal Actions and Arrest
In response to the tragedy, police have taken swift legal action. Based on a formal complaint filed by Naseem Sultana, the wife of the deceased ambulance driver, authorities have registered a case against the bus driver, identified as Prabhu. The charges include:
- Causing death by negligence under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Causing hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety of others under Section 125(a) of the BNS
The accused bus driver has been arrested and is currently in police custody as investigations into the precise circumstances of the accident continue.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
This tragic event has raised significant concerns about road safety on National Highway-44, particularly during nighttime travel. The loss of Shaik Sardar, a dedicated ambulance driver, and Saleha Banu, a patient in transit, underscores the vulnerabilities faced by emergency medical transport vehicles on busy highways.
Local authorities are emphasizing the importance of cautious driving, especially when sharing the road with emergency vehicles. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential consequences of negligent driving behavior on India's extensive highway network.
