Watch video: Samajwadi Party leader Lal Bahadur Yadav killed after 65-foot fuel pump pole collapses on car in UP

A 48-year-old Samajwadi Party leader, Lal Bahadur Yadav, lost his life after a high mast light pole being installed near a petrol pump collapsed onto his car in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh. The shocking incident, which took place in the busy Babuganj market area on Sunday, was captured on CCTV.

According to initial reports, the 65-foot-high pole of Bharat Petroleum, weighing around 40 quintals, was being erected using a crane when the crane strap snapped. The structure fell directly onto Yadav’s Hyundai Creta while he was travelling from Babuganj to Pratapgarh city for personal work. He was reportedly just 500 metres away from his home when the accident occurred.

Locals rushed to the scene, broke open the car doors and pulled him out. He was taken to a nearby community health centre where doctors declared him dead.

Police have begun a probe into the incident, including whether negligence during installation led to the tragedy. Eyewitnesses alleged that the work was carried out during peak traffic hours, raising serious safety concerns. Authorities have sent the body for post-mortem and are examining accountability in the case.