Elderly Farmer Fatally Struck by Speeding Tractor in Hazaribag
A tragic road accident claimed the life of an elderly farmer in Hazaribag district on Friday. The incident occurred when a speeding tractor rammed into the victim's motorcycle, leading to fatal injuries.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident took place near the Luta Railway Overbridge, within the jurisdiction of the Katkamdag police station. The victim, identified as Vasudev Mahto, aged 65, was a resident of Pakrar village in the Katkamdag block. He was en route to Hazaribag town to sell vegetables at the time of the collision.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tractor was traveling at high speed when it struck Mahto's bike. The impact was severe, resulting in immediate fatal injuries to the elderly farmer. The driver of the tractor abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene, leaving behind a chaotic and distressing situation.
Community Outrage and Police Response
Following the incident, local residents quickly gathered at the accident site. Outraged by the driver's escape, they blocked the road in protest, demanding:
- The immediate arrest of the tractor driver
- Financial compensation for Vasudev Mahto's grieving family
- Enhanced road safety measures in the area
Pramod Kumar Rai, the officer-in-charge of Katkamdag police station, arrived at the location to assess the situation. After engaging with the protesters, government officials provided assurances regarding their demands, which led to the dispersal of the crowd.
In a statement, Officer Rai confirmed, "We have seized the tractor involved in the accident, and a thorough search operation is underway to trace and apprehend the driver." The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including potential charges of negligence and hit-and-run.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
This incident highlights ongoing road safety issues in rural and semi-urban areas, where speeding vehicles and inadequate traffic enforcement often lead to fatal accidents. The death of Vasudev Mahto underscores the vulnerability of elderly citizens and farmers who rely on two-wheelers for daily commutes.
Authorities are urged to implement stricter monitoring of vehicle speeds and enhance driver accountability to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The community's swift action reflects growing public demand for justice and safer road infrastructure.
