Negligence and fog wreaked havoc as coal laden highway collided with divider on overbridge, major accident averted

Ajit Singh/Rajesh Tiwari (Bureau Report)

Sonbhadra/Uttar Pradesh-

Once again the result of speeding and carelessness was seen near Dala Overbridge located on Varanasi-Shaktinagar road in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh. A highway (UP64BT 3717) coming from Bina loaded with coal went out of control while trying to overtake and collided with the divider. Thankfully, there was no loss of life in this horrific collision, but the vehicle suffered heavy damage.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around 11:00 pm. When the truck carrying coal from Singrauli area reached Dala overbridge, the driver tried to overtake another vehicle amidst fog and mist. Meanwhile, due to loss of balance, Haiwa climbed directly onto the heavy stone divider. The collision was so strong that pieces of stone scattered on the road and the tire of the vehicle burst. The driver’s side part (cabin) has been badly damaged in the accident. It is noteworthy that the Meteorological Department has already issued an alert regarding heavy mist and fog.

The administration is repeatedly appealing to avoid driving in fog at night or keep the speed extremely slow. Despite this, drivers of heavy vehicles engaged in coal transportation are not desisting from overtaking and overspeeding to save time. The driver of the accident vehicle has been identified as Ajit Yadav. But the driver is said to be safe. Local people say that if any small vehicle or bike was nearby, it could have turned into a major tragedy. The overbridge constructed on the Varanasi-Shaktinagar road is becoming a hotspot of accidents.

Despite low visibility at night, the movement of heavy vehicles and the arbitrariness of drivers raise questions on the security claims of the police and transport department. Administrative Message: Caution removed, accident occurred. Night travel is risky in bad weather and fog. Stay safe and follow the rules.