Gola (Ramgarh), Rajkumar – A severe road incident transpired on Wednesday morning in the Gola region of Ramgarh district, resulting in the demise of four individuals, including three school children and an auto-rickshaw driver. More than a dozen others suffered injuries, many of whom are schoolchildren aged between five and twelve years old.The incident, which has left the community in shock, occurred at Gola Tirla Mor on the Ramgarh-Bokaro route. An LP truck traveling at high speed collided with an auto-rickshaw carrying schoolchildren, leading to the fatalities and numerous injuries. The force of the collision caused the auto-rickshaw to be mangled beyond recognition.

Incident Details

The auto-rickshaw, transporting young students to school, was struck head-on by the LP truck early in the morning. The impact resulted in the immediate death of three children and the auto driver. Eleven other children, along with the truck driver, suffered serious injuries. Bystanders and local residents promptly organized efforts to transport the injured to the nearest Community Health Center (CHC) for medical attention.Witness accounts suggest that the accident was caused primarily by the truck's excessive speed, compounded by limited visibility during the early hours. The LP truck driver, who is also among the injured, remains under medical supervision.

Community Response and Concerns

The incident has triggered significant outrage among local residents, who question the rationale behind school operations despite government mandates to suspend classes for students up to the eighth grade due to extreme cold weather conditions in Jharkhand.The state government had previously issued directives requiring the closure of all educational institutions for younger students to safeguard their health amid harsh weather. Nonetheless, some local schools reportedly disregarded these instructions, compelling children to attend classes. This decision has fueled anger and frustration, as locals believe it directly contributed to the tragic event.

Calls for Accountability

The tragedy has not only plunged families into mourning but has also sparked protests in the area. Villagers and community leaders are demanding stringent action against the school authorities who neglected government directives and the truck driver for negligent behavior.The government clearly instructed that schools remain closed. Why were these children required to attend? This negligence has cost innocent lives,” expressed a grieving relative of one of the deceased children.Protests erupted at the accident site as locals expressed their anger over the lack of enforcement of government orders. Many have called for immediate compensation for the families of the victims and stricter traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Response from Authorities

Local police have launched an investigation into the incident. They are examining whether the truck driver was at fault and why the school administration defied state orders. Ramgarh District Collector has assured residents that the matter will be taken seriously and appropriate action will be initiated.Efforts are underway to provide medical treatment to the injured children, several of whom are in critical condition. The district administration has also announced compensation for the families of the deceased.

A Tragic Reminder

This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for stricter road safety regulations and adherence to government orders, particularly in extreme weather conditions. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that children’s safety is prioritized over academic schedules.As families mourn the loss of their loved ones and the community rallies for justice, this accident leaves behind painful questions about accountability and the preventability of such tragedies.The authorities now face the challenge of not only addressing the immediate aftermath but also implementing measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur.