Rajkot: A fatal accident occurred on Tuesday at Maliasan village along the Rajkot-Ahmedabad highway when a truck from Uttar Pradesh, travelling from Ahmedabad toward Rajkot, collided head-on with an auto-rickshaw while driving on the wrong side. The mishap killed five people on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries before reaching the hospital.
According to reports, seven people suffered injuries in the accident, including the rickshaw driver. Tragically, five died on the spot while another passed away en route to the hospital. However, the rickshaw driver survived and was rushed to a hospital via emergency services.
ACP Rajesh Baria stated that forensic experts (FSL) would be involved in the investigation. A case is being registered against the truck driver at the Kuwadwa Road police station. Following the accident, the truck driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene. Authorities are tracing the owner and driver based on the truck’s registration details.
The accident led to a 5-6 km-long traffic jam on the Rajkot-Ahmedabad highway near Maliasan village, affecting traffic flow from Rajkot to Ahmedabad.
Rajkot City Police Commissioner Brajesh Kumar Jha, DCP Traffic and DCP Zone 1 reached the spot to assess the situation. Among the deceased was a seven-year-old girl, and most victims were identified as residents of Navagam Anandpar.
The deceased were identified as Yuvraj Nakum a resident of Bhumi, Jamnagar, Shardaben Nakum, Sheetalben Yuvrajbhai Solanki, Nandani Ben Sagarbhai Solanki and Vedanshi Sagarbhai Solanki (7-year-old girl).
Nandani and Vedanshi were mother and daughter. On learning about the deaths of his wife and daughter, the grieving husband fainted and had to be hospitalised. Authorities are continuing the investigation while efforts are underway to apprehend the absconding truck driver.
