What Happened When a Pickup Van Plunged into a Pond in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident, 17 schoolchildren were injured when a pickup van plunged into a pond in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. This accident raises serious questions about road safety. The children were rescued, but some are critically injured. Local residents have pointed fingers at the driver and the lack of safety measures. What does this mean for the region?
Key Takeaways
- 17 school children were injured in the accident.
- The pickup van lost control and plunged into a pond.
- Rescue efforts involved local residents and emergency services.
- Four children are critically injured and receiving advanced treatment.
- Concerns about road safety and driver accountability have been raised.
Hazaribagh, May 21 (NationPress) - A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when a pickup van carrying 17 school children plunged into a pond in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district, resulting in injuries to several youngsters, officials reported.
As per local accounts, the vehicle was on its way back to the children's village after school when the accident took place near Khutra village in the Ichak police station area.
The van, which was allegedly traveling at a high speed, lost control while navigating a sharp turn and skidded off the narrow road, falling into a pond that is approximately 15 feet deep.
Witnesses reported hearing the crash and quickly rushed to the scene to initiate rescue operations.
Local police and district officials arrived soon after being notified.
With the combined efforts of residents and emergency responders, all the children and the driver were successfully extracted from the submerged vehicle.
A crane was subsequently deployed to recover the van from the pond.
Fortunately, the vehicle did not sink into the deeper part of the pond, which could have resulted in a more devastating situation.
All injured children were promptly transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance. Most were discharged after receiving initial treatment, while four children with severe injuries were referred to Sheikh Bhikhari Memorial Medical College and Hospital in Hazaribagh for specialized care. Their conditions are currently reported as critical.
Family members of the injured children hurried to the scene upon learning about the incident.
Numerous locals and relatives have claimed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol when the accident occurred. They also voiced concerns regarding the lack of safety measures, particularly the absence of a guardrail along the narrow, accident-prone road.
According to Santosh Kumar, the officer in charge of the Ichak police station, a medical examination of the driver is currently being conducted. Authorities are also reviewing the vehicle's documentation and the driver's license. "If intoxication is confirmed, stringent legal actions will follow," he stated.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the importance of road safety measures in rural areas, such as Hazaribagh, where the risk of such accidents is exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure. The safety of our children should always be paramount, and accountability must be upheld for those responsible.
NationPress
01/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children were injured in the accident?
At least 17 school children sustained injuries from the pickup van accident.
What caused the pickup van to plunge into the pond?
The van reportedly lost control while negotiating a sharp turn and veered off the road.
What measures are being taken regarding the driver?
Authorities are conducting a medical examination of the driver and reviewing his license and vehicle documents.
What is the current condition of the injured children?
Most injured children were discharged after first aid, but four are in critical condition at a local hospital.
What safety measures are being discussed following the incident?
Local residents have criticized the lack of safety infrastructure, including the absence of guardrails along the road.
