Patharkandi, Sribhumi: A horrific triple-vehicle collision involving vehicles from three different states turned the Patharkandi Bypass (New Asimganj) into a scene of carnage early Thursday morning. Five workers associated with the Bharat Mala project sustained life-threatening injuries in the pile-up, which has once again raised alarms over highway safety and reckless driving.
The Incident: A Chain Reaction of Metal and Glass
The accident occurred at approximately 8:00 AM on the New Asimganj stretch of the Patharkandi Bypass. According to eyewitness accounts, the disaster was triggered by a white Scorpio attempting a high-speed overtake.
The maneuver went catastrophically wrong, leading to a head-on collision involving a Bolero and a heavy-duty Truck. The impact was so severe that the Bolero, which was transporting project workers to their site, was left almost unrecognizable.
Vehicle Identification
The three vehicles involved represent a cross-border traffic flow, highlighting the bypass’s role as a vital regional artery:
- The Bolero (Project Vehicle): MZ-05A/6990 (Mizoram Registered)
- The Scorpio (The Overtaking Vehicle): AS-01BB/6048 (Assam Registered)
- The Truck: TR-01AR/1778 (Tripura Registered)
Condition of the Victims
Local residents were the first to respond, pulling five bloodied workers from the wreckage of the Bolero. The injured were immediately rushed to a nearby primary health center. However, due to multiple fractures and suspected internal trauma, medical officers have referred all five victims to a higher-tier hospital for emergency surgery and intensive care. Their condition remains critical.
⚠️ Analysis: Why the Patharkandi Bypass is Becoming Deadly
Frequent travelers and locals point toward several recurring factors that contributed to today’s tragedy:
- Impatient Overtaking: The primary cause was the Scorpio’s attempt to overtake without a clear line of sight, a common but deadly habit on high-speed bypasses.
- The “Bypass Speed” Trap: Smooth roads often tempt drivers to exceed speed limits, leaving zero room for error when a third vehicle enters the frame.
- Lack of Lane Discipline: On inter-state routes involving heavy trucks (TR-01AR/1778) and smaller SUVs, the absence of strict lane maintenance often leads to “squeeze-play” accidents.
✅ Precautionary Measures for Commuters
To avoid such tragedies, road safety experts suggest:
- Zero Tolerance for Blind Overtaking: Never overtake on a curve or when the oncoming lane isn’t visible for at least 500 meters.
- Maintain Buffer Zones: Keep a “three-second distance” from the vehicle in front, especially when driving near heavy trucks.
- Morning Vigilance: Early morning hours often see high speeds due to low traffic; drivers must remain extra alert for sudden maneuvers by others.
Current Status
Patharkandi police have arrived at the scene to clear the wreckage and restore the flow of traffic. An investigation has been launched into the driver of the Scorpio (AS-01BB/6048) to determine if speed or mechanical failure played a role.
