Three siblings were killed in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district on Sunday morning when their motorcycle was struck by a pick-up vehicle and subsequently run over by a tractor-trolley amid dense fog.
The incident occurred in the Tambaur area of Sitapur, a region known for its susceptibility to fog during certain times of the year, contributing to hazardous driving conditions. Police reported that the accident happened around 6 a.m. near a petrol pump in Rihar, under the jurisdiction of the Tambaur police station.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the three deceased siblings have been identified as Shishupal, aged 20, and his sisters Pooja Devi, 18, and Gayatri Devi, 19. They were all residents of Devpalpur village in Sitapur.
The fatal collision unfolded as the siblings, traveling on a single motorcycle, were navigating through thick fog, which severely reduced visibility. A speeding pick-up vehicle, its driver likely struggling with the poor conditions, first collided with the motorcycle. The impact threw all three occupants onto the road.
Tragically, a tractor-trolley carrying bricks, which was following closely behind, ran over the fallen siblings. The overloaded nature of the tractor-trolley likely made it difficult for the driver to stop in time, resulting in the instantaneous deaths of Shishupal, Pooja Devi, and Gayatri Devi.
Inspector Pradeep Singh stated that the siblings had returned to Laharpur earlier the same day and were on their way to their native village when the accident occurred. He added that preliminary investigations suggest the trio were not wearing helmets at the time of the incident.
Following the crash, the drivers of both the pick-up vehicle and the tractor-trolley fled the scene. Authorities have initiated a search to locate and apprehend the absconding drivers.
Upon receiving information about the incident, a police team was dispatched to the location. The bodies of the deceased were subsequently sent for post-mortem examinations as per standard procedure in fatal accident cases.
The accident highlights the persistent dangers posed by dense fog on Indian roadways, particularly during the winter months. Such conditions often lead to reduced reaction times for drivers and increased the risk of multiple-vehicle pile-ups or tragic incidents like the one in Sitapur. Authorities frequently issue advisories urging caution, reduced speeds, and increased awareness during periods of fog.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events and the specific contributing factors to the collision, including the speed of the vehicles and the precise visibility levels at the time of the incident. The police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in tracing the drivers of the involved vehicles.
The loss of three young lives in a single incident has cast a shadow over the community in Sitapur. The circumstances of the accident, involving multiple vehicles and poor visibility, underscore the complex challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring road safety, especially in rural areas prone to adverse weather conditions.
The police department has reiterated its commitment to thorough investigation and to bringing the individuals responsible for the crash to justice. Efforts are underway to gather evidence from the scene and to interview any potential witnesses who may have been present at the time of the accident.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic regulations, including speed limits and the mandatory use of safety equipment such as helmets, even on familiar routes. The weather conditions in Uttar Pradesh, like many parts of Northern India, can change rapidly, requiring constant vigilance from all road users.
The Chenab Times News Desk
