Tragic E-Rickshaw Accident in Delhi Claims Life of Six-Year-Old Girl

A six-year-old girl was killed and her grandmother injured in an e-rickshaw accident in Janakpuri, Delhi. The incident raises serious concerns about road safety for children.

A tragic accident in Janakpuri, West Delhi, claimed the life of a six-year-old girl and injured her grandmother. They were travelling in an e-rickshaw when a speeding car collided with them, causing the vehicle to overturn. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of e-rickshaws in the city.

The grandmother, Mercy Xavier, recounted the terrifying moment when their routine journey to school turned disastrous. "I had boarded the e-rickshaw with my granddaughter and we were on our way to her school. It was an ordinary morning. Suddenly, a speeding car rammed into our rickshaw with tremendous force. Before I could understand what had happened, I was thrown onto the road," she said.

Accident Details and Immediate Response

According to police reports, the accident occurred near the Janakpuri Fire Station around 7:40 am on February 17. The e-rickshaw overturned after colliding with a car, throwing both passengers onto the road. Mercy Xavier sustained injuries but is now stable. Unfortunately, her granddaughter succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

The child's mother, who works at a hospital, received a distressing call from her mother after the accident. She was informed by a hospital staff member who witnessed the incident that her mother was pleading for help on the road while her daughter struggled to breathe. Despite a crowd gathering, no one initially stepped forward to assist them.

Investigation and Legal Actions

Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash and negligent driving causing death. The driver of the car, identified as Sanjeev, has been apprehended. Authorities are examining CCTV footage from nearby cameras to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the accident.

The grandmother described how she saw her granddaughter bleeding heavily and pleaded with a bystander for help. "I begged a car driver, who was standing there watching us, to help and take the child to the hospital. Instead of helping, he ran away. I don't remember if it was the same car which hit us," she alleged.

Concerns Over E-Rickshaw Safety

This incident has highlighted issues surrounding e-rickshaws in Delhi. Official data indicates over two lakh e-rickshaws are registered in the city; however, enforcement agencies suggest many more operate without proper registration or adherence to safety norms.

A police source noted that numerous e-rickshaws navigate congested areas without following traffic rules. Often overloaded or driven by inadequately trained operators, these vehicles pose significant risks of accidents.

The child's mother expressed regret over delayed assistance at the scene. "The car that hit the rickshaw was being driven at a very high speed. If help had come sooner, maybe things would have been different," she said.

Further investigation into this tragic accident is ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and witness statements to ensure justice is served for the young victim and her family.

With inputs from PTI