Two children killed as tractor overturns and catches fire in Bihar's Kaimur
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Two minors were killed after a clay-laden tractor lost control, overturned, and burst into flames in Bihar's Kaimur district on Friday evening, police confirmed. The children, trapped beneath the overturned vehicle, suffered severe burn injuries and died at the scene before rescuers could reach them.
How the Accident Unfolded
The tractor was transporting clay from Kharauda when it allegedly went out of control on the stretch between Kharauda and Naughara, at around 6:30 pm. The vehicle veered off the road and overturned into a narrow roadside ditch, landing with all four wheels facing upward. A suspected short circuit during the impact is believed to have ignited the tractor, setting it ablaze with the two minors trapped underneath.
Rescue Operations Hampered by Narrow Ditch
The confined space where the tractor came to rest made rescue efforts extremely difficult. Personnel from the '112' emergency response service arrived at the spot after receiving information about the incident. A JCB machine had to be brought in to lift and remove the overturned vehicle, but the children had already succumbed to their injuries by the time the recovery operation began.
What Police Said
Vijay Prasad, Station House Officer (SHO) of Chainpur Police Station, confirmed that police received information about two persons trapped under an overturned tractor and immediately dispatched a team to the scene. Prasad said arrangements were made to procure heavy machinery given the narrow location of the accident. The incident falls under the jurisdiction of Chainpur Police Station, which has launched a formal investigation.
Investigation Under Way
Local authorities have confirmed that both victims have been identified, though their names have not been officially disclosed. Investigators are examining the exact cause of the tractor losing control as well as the circumstances that triggered the fire. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the probe. This incident underscores the persistent road safety risks associated with overloaded and speeding goods vehicles on narrow rural roads in Bihar.