Tragedy Strikes Surat Family: Triple-Riding Moped Crashes into Truck in Valsad During Return from Daman; 1 Dead, 1 Critical
Uttarayan Joy Turns into Mourning: High-Speed Collision Claims Youth’s Life in Valsad
BREAKING NEWS: For the Rajbhar family, originally from Uttar Pradesh and residing in the Dindoli area of Surat, this year’s Uttarayan has proved to be a dark and devastating chapter. What began as a festive getaway to Daman ended in a horrific nightmare when six friends, traveling on two mopeds, met with a fatal accident near the Dharampur Chokdi in Valsad. The collision claimed the life of 36-year-old Mahendra Rajbhar on the spot, while another youth remains in critical condition.
This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the increase in road fatalities often seen during festive seasons due to over-speeding and traffic violations. The reckless decision to travel triple-seat on a moped for a 140 km journey from Surat to Daman ultimately proved fatal, leaving a family shattered and the highway blocked by grieving onlookers and heavy traffic.
Shattering Impact: Moped Rams into Truck on Dharampur Chokdi Overbridge
According to the details obtained, Shambhunath Rajbhar, Mahendra Rajbhar, and their four friends—Arvind, Sunny, Vivek, and Sundaram—had left Dindoli, Surat, on two mopeds on the afternoon of Makar Sankranti. After spending the day celebrating in Daman, they began their return journey to Surat late in the evening.
Around 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, while crossing the Dharampur Chokdi overbridge in Valsad, Mahendra’s moped rammed into the rear of a moving truck with massive force. The impact was so severe that Mahendra sustained fatal head injuries and breathed his last at the crash site.
The Cost of Negligence: Triple-Riding and Risky Overtaking
Preliminary investigations by the police suggest that excessive speed and an improper overtaking maneuver were the primary causes of the disaster. Mahendra Rajbhar was operating the moped with two friends seated behind him.
How the Accident Happened:
- The moped attempted to switch from the second lane to the first lane to overtake a truck.
- Due to the weight of three passengers, the driver lost balance at high speed.
- The vehicle slammed directly into the iron guard at the back of the truck.
- Vivek Munna Rajbhar, who was riding pillion, sustained severe abdominal injuries and was rushed to Valsad Civil Hospital before being shifted to Surat Civil Hospital due to his worsening condition.
Legal Twist: Case Filed Against the Deceased Driver; ‘Drink and Drive’ Under Probe
In a significant legal turn, a complaint has been filed at the Valsad City Police Station by Shambhunath Rajbhar—the younger brother of the deceased—against Mahendra Rajbhar for negligent driving. PSI Aniruddhasingh Gohil is leading the rigorous investigation.
A crucial aspect of the probe is the suspicion of ‘Drink and Drive.’ Police have sent Mahendra’s blood samples for laboratory testing to determine if alcohol was a factor in the crash. The final report is awaited to confirm whether the festive celebrations involved intoxicated driving, which often accounts for a higher risk of fatal accidents on National Highway 48.
A 140 KM Perilous Journey: Why Triple-Riding on a Moped is a Fatal Risk
This incident is a “red signal” for commuters on the NH-48. The distance between Surat and Daman is approximately 140 kilometers. Attempting such a long journey on a small two-wheeler with three people is an invitation to disaster.
- Violation of Rules: Traffic laws were openly flouted in the excitement of the festival.
- Safety Gear: Reports suggest that if the driver had been wearing a helmet or if the vehicle hadn’t been overloaded, Mahendra might have survived.
- Mechanical Strain: Small mopeds are not designed for triple occupancy at highway speeds, significantly affecting braking and stability.
Rising Highway Accidents: Authorities Express Deep Concern
National Highway 48, which passes through Valsad, is frequently the site of bloody accidents. The Dharampur Chokdi Overbridge is a known hotspot for heavy traffic. Local police have issued a stern warning following this crash:
- Zero Tolerance for Triple-Riding: Commuters are warned against overloading two-wheelers.
- Speed Limits: Strict adherence to speed limits is mandatory, especially during night travel.
The fun-filled trip that started in Dindoli has ended in permanent mourning, highlighting how a moment of thrill can lead to a lifetime of regret.
Family in Despair: From Migrant Workers to Grieving Survivors
The Rajbhar family moved from Uttar Pradesh to Surat to earn a livelihood through manual labor. With the sudden death of their young son, the elderly parents and Mahendra’s wife are left in an abyss of grief. Friends and relatives have gathered at the Surat Civil Hospital, praying for Vivek’s recovery as he battles for his life. While the rest of Gujarat was celebrating with kites in the sky, this family was left picking up the pieces of their lives on a cold highway.
Conclusion: Traffic Rules are Not for Fines, But for Lives
This tragedy once again proves that traffic regulations are life-saving tools, not mere legal hurdles. Triple-riding, over-speeding, and potential “Drink and Drive” are errors that the highway never forgives. The Valsad Police have taken custody of the vehicle and are scanning CCTV footage from the bridge to reconstruct the exact moments leading to the crash.
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