Ahmedabad has witnessed another tragic incident on the roads, as two young men lost their lives in a horrific accident near the Jhansi Ki Rani BRTS bus stand. The accident occurred late at night on August 10, when a speeding car crashed into their two-wheeler. The victims were identified as Ashfaq Azmeeri and Akram Qureshi. After the accident, the driver of the car fled the scene, but police later apprehended him.
Witnesses reported that the car, a Brezza, struck the two men with such force that they were thrown about 100 feet away. The victims were riding an Activa scooter when the tragic event occurred. Local authorities arrived promptly at the site to assist and investigate the incident. The bodies of the deceased were sent for post-mortem examinations.
This unfortunate event is part of a worrying trend in Gujarat, where road accidents are on the rise. In fact, according to a report presented in the state assembly, there were more than 15,751 accidents reported in 2022, compared to 15,185 in 2021. This indicates that Gujarat experiences over 40 accidents daily. Alarmingly, the number of accidents involving young drivers under 18 years has also increased significantly, with 727 such incidents recorded in 2023 and 2024.
In a separate incident, a driver lost control of his car on the Olpad-Sayan road in Surat, resulting in the deaths of two cyclists. One of the cyclists died at the scene, while the other was seriously injured and taken to the hospital. The reckless driver also crashed his vehicle into a ditch.
The Olpad police responded quickly, sending both bodies for post-mortem and apprehending the driver responsible for this accident as well. Another disturbing incident occurred in the Vapi region, where a driver, reportedly under the influence, caused a significant crash that injured two people. Eyewitnesses claimed that angry locals confronted the driver, leading to a chaotic scene.
The rising number of road accidents has raised concerns among citizens and officials alike. Many are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better road safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Gujarat Road Safety Authority has reported that an average of 446 young lives are lost in road accidents every year, highlighting the urgent need for action.
The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers on the roads and the need for drivers to exercise caution. As the state grapples with this issue, families of the victims are left to mourn their losses, while the community calls for change to ensure safer roads for everyone.
As authorities continue to investigate these incidents, it is essential for all drivers to be more vigilant and responsible to prevent further loss of life on the roads. The government must prioritise road safety measures, including better signage, speed limits, and public awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the importance of safe driving practices. Only through collective efforts can we hope to reduce the number of accidents and protect the lives of our youth and community members.