3 killed in two road accidents

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 16

Three persons have lost their lives in two road mishaps in less than 24 hours. A 40-year-old man and his 11-year-old daughter were killed while another person was injured when a heavy vehicle hit their Activa scooter at the Kailash Nagar cut on National Highway 44 last night.

The incident took place around 9:30 pm. The deceased have been identified as Vikau Rao and his daughter Sapna, who were pillion riders.

The injured has been identified as Suman (28), who was riding the Activa scooter. According to information, Suman was going to drop them at their home. The police are yet to record the statement of Suman.

After the accident, the driver managed to escape from the spot. Infuriated people staged a protest at the highway after the mishap.

They alleged that accidents often took place at this cut, but the authorities had not done anything.

Questions were raised over the safety of commuters and pedestrians on the national highway. Streetlights are not functioning at various points on the National Highway 44, (which was earlier known as NH-1).

A number of black spots have been identified on the highway stretch in the city, but nothing has been done to prevent accidents. Reflectors and sign boards are missing.

Road safety activist Rahul Verma said accidents were taking place at ‘unwanted’ cuts on the highway. These cuts are not being closed despite a number of persons have lost their lives.

Toll tax is being collected from the commuters at NH-44, but the company concerned has failed to ensure their safety, he added.

Woman crushed under truck

A 45-year-old woman lost her life when a truck crushed her near Samrala Chowk today. The incident took around 9:30 am when the woman was crossing the road to board a bus. She, along with her son, had to visit Patiala to meet her daughter, ASI Sukhwinder Singh said.

The deceased has been identified as Gurdeep Kaur, a housewife and a resident of Tibba Road, Ludhiana.

ASI Sukhwinder Singh said a case had been registered against the accused driver at the division number 7 police station.

The police said the truck driver had been nabbed.