Reckless speeding by coal-laden vehicles and dilapidated roads are proving fatal; accidents have left residents terrified
When will the deadly carnage on Chatra's roads end?
Chatra: Road accidents are continuously claiming lives in Chatra district. Most concerning is the fact that families are frequently being devastated due to the high speed and overloading of heavy vehicles transporting coal and fly ash, combined with the wretched condition of the roads.
In a recent tragic incident near Tandwa, a teacher named Shivdayal Sharma sustained serious injuries. Reports indicate the accident occurred when he was struck by a heavy trailer truck (Hyva) transporting fly ash from NTPC Tandwa towards Aurangabad. It is reported that his motorcycle lost balance and fell due to deep potholes on the road, after which the approaching Hyva ran into him. Despite wearing a helmet, he suffered severe damage to his left arm and sustained multiple internal injuries. After receiving first aid, he was referred to Hazaribagh for advanced medical treatment.
This is not an isolated incident. For years, accidents involving coal-transporting vehicles have plagued Chatra's roads. Whether they are soldiers returning home for the holidays, teachers heading to work, or ordinary citizens, everyone is forced to travel while risking their lives amidst these heavy vehicles.
Locals allege that the city's broken roads, the unregulated movement of heavy vehicles, overloading, and the disregard for traffic rules are the primary causes of these accidents. Residents have demanded that the administration immediately repair the roads, ban the entry of heavy vehicles into the city during the day, strictly enforce speed limits, conduct regular safety checks, and provide adequate assistance to the affected families.
The people of Chatra state that while every accident sparks a brief discussion, no concrete steps are taken toward a permanent solution. It is time for the administration and relevant departments to prioritize road safety above all else, ensuring that no other family has to endure the pain of losing their loved ones.
Reporter: Tarkeshwar Gupta
