What Caused the Tragic Overturning of a Pickup Van in Bihar’s Saran?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Four fatalities reported in Saran district pickup van crash.
- 10 individuals sustained serious injuries.
- Vehicle was carrying 25 passengers.
- Incident highlights issues of vehicle maintenance and safety regulations.
- Police have seized the vehicle and will file an FIR.
Patna, June 16 (NationPress) In a tragic incident, four individuals lost their lives and 10 more sustained severe injuries when a pickup van overturned in Bihar’s Saran district early on Monday morning, as reported by officials.
The mishap took place around 7 a.m. close to Bajitpur village, under the jurisdiction of Nayagaon police station. It was determined that a tyre of the vehicle burst, leading to the driver losing control.
The van was transporting approximately 25 passengers and was said to be travelling at a speed of 70-80 km/h.
According to police sources, the group was en route from Dighwara to Sarai in Vaishali district via Sonpur for the purpose of roasting corn when the accident occurred.
Sonpur Range SDPO stated that rescue efforts commenced immediately after the incident was reported.
“We managed to recover the bodies trapped inside the flipped vehicle. The deceased were transferred for post-mortem examinations at Sadar Hospital, Chhapra, while the injured were taken to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Sonpur, with several in critical condition,” he mentioned.
The deceased have been identified as Anju Devi (48), spouse of Raj Kumar Pandit; Radhika Devi (50), spouse of Raju Baith; Sonu Kumar (23), child of Sarwan Ram; and Rajlakshmi Kumari (15), daughter of Panchuram — all hailing from Dighwara in Saran district.
The accident incited chaos at the scene, with local residents assisting police in the relief and rescue operations.
This incident has raised significant concerns regarding overloading and the inadequate maintenance of vehicles utilized for transporting both goods and passengers, in addition to the persistent violation of road safety regulations.
The police have confiscated the pickup van, and an FIR will be filed against the driver under applicable sections concerning rash and negligent driving.
“We will also suggest an investigation by the transport department into the vehicle's fitness,” the SDPO concluded.