Key Points:
- 2 confirmed dead, 13 injured in devastating truck rampage on Indore’s Airport Road near Shikshak Nagar
- Drunk driver arrested – police confirm driver was heavily intoxicated and lost control of speeding truck
- Truck catches fire after motorcycle gets trapped underneath, creating massive blaze and panic
- Multiple vehicles destroyed – truck rammed into 8-10 vehicles including cars, bikes, and e-rickshaws
- Chief Minister orders probe into how heavy vehicle entered restricted area during prohibited hours
- Driver and truck owner both face charges as police investigate violation of no-entry zone rules
Indore: A devastating truck rampage in Indore left two people dead and 13 others injured when a heavily intoxicated driver lost control of his speeding vehicle on the busy Airport Road near Bada Ganpati temple on Monday evening. The horrific incident has shocked the city and prompted immediate government intervention.
Drunk Driver’s Deadly Rampage
The truck driver was heavily intoxicated when he began his destructive path from Kalani Nagar towards the Bada Ganpati area, first striking two bikers at Ramchandra Nagar intersection before continuing his deadly trajectory. Deputy Commissioner of Police Krishna Lalchandani confirmed that the driver’s excessive drunkenness caused him to lose complete control of the heavy vehicle.
The speeding truck plowed through multiple vehicles indiscriminately, hitting several two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and e-rickshaws along the busy stretch in Shikshak Nagar. Eyewitness Pradeep Devalia described how the truck first struck a woman near Vidya Palace before continuing to mow down several other victims.
Motorcycle Trapped, Massive Fire Erupts
The accident took a catastrophic turn when a motorcycle became trapped underneath the truck, causing friction that ignited a massive fire. Contrary to initial reports of mob arson, Additional Commissioner Amit Singh clarified that the blaze originated from the trapped bike’s friction with the truck, quickly engulfing the entire vehicle.
The fire spread rapidly through the truck’s front portion, creating widespread panic as victims lay injured on the road. Police and fire brigade teams rushed to control the blaze while simultaneously conducting rescue operations to extract trapped victims from the burning wreckage.
Confirmed Casualties and Critical Injuries
Police have officially confirmed two fatalities with 13 others sustaining injuries ranging from minor to critical. One victim has been identified as potentially being a private university faculty member, while the second victim’s identity remains under investigation through clothing and personal belongings.
The injured victims were rushed to multiple hospitals including Bhatia, Geetanjali, and MY Hospital, with local residents assisting in the rescue efforts. Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya confirmed that the government will fund complete treatment for all victims, with two to three patients remaining in critical condition.
Truck Violated No-Entry Zone Rules
Investigations reveal the truck illegally entered a restricted area during prohibited hours, raising serious questions about traffic enforcement. The vehicle, loaded with packaging material and destined for Polo Ground, somehow accessed the Airport-Bada Ganpati Road despite clear no-entry restrictions.
Police have arrested the truck driver and sent him for mandatory medical examination to confirm intoxication levels. The truck owner, identified as Sohail alias Damru Singh of Dharampuri, will also face charges as a co-accused in the case.
Chief Minister Orders Comprehensive Probe
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has ordered a thorough investigation into how the heavy vehicle entered the city during restricted hours. The Additional Chief Secretary (Home) has been dispatched to Indore for proper inspection and probe into the traffic violation.
The Chief Minister expressed his condolences to the bereaved families while emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies. The incident has highlighted gaps in the enforcement of no-entry zone rules for heavy vehicles during peak hours.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Horror
Local resident Subhash Soni described the terror, stating that “the truck driver was driving recklessly. The truck’s tyres caught fire, and people began falling as it plowed into vehicles. My brother-in-law’s legs were severed”. Such graphic testimonies underscore the devastating impact of the driver’s reckless behavior.
CCTV footage shows the truck ramming three cars and an auto from behind, completely mangling one vehicle within seconds. These visuals have gone viral on social media, prompting widespread outrage and demands for stricter drunk driving penalties.
Traffic Disruption and Ongoing Investigation
The accident caused significant traffic disruption on the busy Airport Road for several hours as rescue operations continued. Senior police officers reached the scene to coordinate relief efforts and manage the traffic chaos caused by the incident.
Police continue investigating the exact sequence of events and the total number of casualties, with fears that the death toll could rise as several victims remain critical. The case highlights the urgent need for enhanced traffic enforcement and stricter penalties for drunk driving violations in the city.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the critical importance of enforcing traffic regulations to protect innocent lives.
