KKN Gurugram Desk | In a tragic road accident in the Saran district of Bihar, five people lost their lives and over 20 others were injured, several of them critically. The accident occurred near Bajitpur Four-Lane under the jurisdiction of Nayagaon Police Station, sending shockwaves across the local community.

The incident took place early Monday morning and involved a pickup van carrying maize and approximately 25 passengers. The vehicle was en route from Dighwara via Vaishali to Sarai, when disaster struck near Sonpur’s Bajitpur area.

What Caused the Saran Road Accident?

According to preliminary information from local authorities and eyewitnesses, the accident was caused by a sudden tyre burst, which led to the driver losing control of the vehicle. As a result, the pickup van overturned violently, throwing passengers off and trapping several underneath the vehicle.

The five deceased were reportedly residents of the same village, and their bodies were recovered by locals and police after a chaotic rescue operation. The accident scene was filled with cries and chaos, as survivors and bystanders scrambled to help the injured.

Emergency Response: Police and Ambulance Teams in Action

Soon after the incident was reported, a team from Nayagaon Police Station rushed to the spot. Multiple ambulances were deployed to shift the injured victims to nearby hospitals. Those with serious injuries were referred to Sadar Hospital, Chhapra, while others were treated at primary health centers.

According to the police, all protocols were followed to ensure rapid emergency care. Police officers also helped extract passengers from beneath the overturned vehicle, many of whom were in a semi-conscious state.

Victims and Casualties: Who Were the Deceased?

The five deceased individuals were from the same local village, and were part of a group that was reportedly headed for work in the agricultural fields or a local mandi. Although names of the deceased have not yet been officially released pending family notification, authorities have confirmed that all were daily wage workers or farmers.

Some of the critically injured include women and elderly individuals, with multiple fractures and head injuries. Hospital authorities have shared that at least four patients are on ventilator support, while others are being monitored closely in the trauma care unit.

Local Reaction and Family Grief

The sudden nature of the accident has led to intense mourning in the local community. Residents gathered at the site, and later outside the hospital, demanding better traffic regulation and safer transport facilities for rural workers.

Family members of the victims were seen weeping inconsolably, with several fainting upon hearing the news. Many locals expressed anger over the lack of safe transport arrangements for laborers and the absence of regular vehicle fitness checks in rural areas.

Police Investigation Underway

The local police have launched an investigation into the incident. The pickup van has been seized, and its registration documents and fitness certificate are being examined. The driver’s statement will also be recorded once he is medically fit, as he too suffered minor injuries in the crash.

Initial indications suggest that overloading and poor vehicle maintenance may have been contributing factors to the tyre burst and loss of control.

A senior police officer from Nayagaon said:

“We are taking the matter seriously. Overloading and worn-out tyres are common issues in such vehicles. We will ensure accountability after a full investigation. Meanwhile, our focus remains on helping the injured and supporting families of the deceased.”

Government Support and Compensation

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the tragedy and directed district officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. He also announced ex gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh each for the families of those who died.

District Magistrate and other senior officials visited Sadar Hospital to check on the victims and review the medical arrangements. The administration has promised to conduct a road safety audit of the Bajitpur stretch where the accident occurred.

Key Takeaways: What This Accident Reveals

This accident once again highlights the dire need for improved rural transport safety in India, particularly for laborers and farmers who rely on makeshift transportation like pickup vans and tractors.

Root Causes Identified:

• Tyre burst due to poor maintenance

• Overloading of both goods and passengers

• Lack of emergency response systems in rural zones

• No seat belts or safety gear in rural commercial vehicles

As Bihar reels from another tragic road accident, questions must be raised about the lack of vehicle regulation, driver training, and road infrastructure safety in rural India. While compensation offers some relief, long-term solutions are essential to prevent similar incidents from repeating.

KKNLive will continue to follow up on the condition of the injured and provide updates on the investigation as more details emerge.