New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of seven people in a tragic road accident in Jharkhand’s Khunti district and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.
In a message posted on X by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi said he was deeply pained by the loss of lives in the accident and conveyed his sympathies to the families who had lost their loved ones.
The accident occurred at around 10 pm on Thursday near the Jone-Ludru turn on the Karra-Torpa main road. According to reports, a scooter first met with an accident, prompting local residents to gather at the roadside to help the rider.
While people were assisting at the spot, an 18-wheeler trailer truck allegedly travelling at high speed from the Torpa side ran over the gathering, resulting in multiple casualties.
Six people died on the spot, while a 12-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries during treatment at Khunti Sadar Hospital. A young girl was also injured in the incident.
Villagers Block Road, Demand Compensation and Jobs
The tragedy triggered widespread anger among villagers on Friday morning. Protesters blocked the main road near the Karra railway crossing by burning tyres, bringing traffic movement to a standstill.
The demonstrators demanded the immediate arrest of the trailer truck driver allegedly involved in the accident, government jobs for the families of the deceased and adequate financial compensation for the bereaved households.
Villagers also raised concerns over road safety near the Jone-Ludru turn, alleging that poor visibility and the condition of the road make the stretch particularly accident-prone. They further claimed that heavy vehicles frequently pass through the area at high speeds, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
The protesters called for stronger safety measures and improvements to the road infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies.
Police Hold Talks with Protesters
Following the road blockade, police and administrative officials reached the spot and held discussions with the demonstrators to restore normal traffic movement.
Authorities assured the protesters that all possible assistance and compensation would be extended to the affected families in accordance with government provisions.
Additional police personnel were deployed in the area as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order amid heightened tensions.
-IANS