32-Year-Old Mason Killed in Hit-and-Run on NH-27, Villagers Block Highway Demanding Compensation
Gopalganj: A tragic road accident on National Highway-27 (NH-27) in Bihar's Gopalganj district claimed the life of 32-year-old mason Harendra Das on Thursday. The accident occurred near Pakri village, where an unidentified speeding vehicle reportedly hit him with great force. The impact was so severe that Harendra Das died on the spot. The driver fled the scene with the vehicle immediately after the collision.
The incident triggered grief and anger among local residents. A large number of villagers and the victim's family gathered at the accident site, staged a protest, and blocked the national highway while demanding compensation and strict action against the absconding driver. Traffic on both sides of the highway remained disrupted for several hours.
Speeding Vehicle Causes Fatal Accident
According to eyewitnesses, Harendra Das was returning from work when a speeding unidentified vehicle struck him.
The collision threw him several feet away, causing critical injuries. People nearby rushed to help, but he succumbed to his injuries before medical assistance could arrive. The driver escaped from the scene immediately after the accident.
Police Reach the Spot
After receiving information about the incident, local police reached the accident site and took custody of the body. The body was sent for a post-mortem examination as part of the legal process.
Police have launched an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas while attempting to identify the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run.
Family Devastated by the Loss
News of Harendra Das's death left his family devastated. Relatives were inconsolable as friends and neighbors gathered to offer support.
Residents said Harendra Das earned his livelihood as a mason and was the primary breadwinner of the family. His untimely death has left the family facing emotional as well as financial hardship.
Highway Blocked Over Compensation Demand
Angered by the incident, villagers and family members blocked NH-27, demanding adequate compensation for the victim's family, the immediate arrest of the driver, and stronger road safety measures.
Protesters alleged that accidents have become frequent on this stretch of the highway and claimed that sufficient preventive measures have not been implemented despite repeated incidents.
Traffic Disrupted for Several Hours
The highway blockade led to long queues of vehicles on both sides of NH-27. Passengers and commercial transport operators faced considerable inconvenience.
Police attempted to divert traffic through alternate routes, but the heavy volume of vehicles meant that normal traffic flow could only be restored after several hours.
Protest Ends After Police Assurance
Senior administrative and police officials arrived at the scene to calm the situation. They assured the victim's family that efforts would be made to identify and arrest the absconding driver and that compensation would be processed in accordance with government rules.
Following these assurances, the protesters ended the blockade, and traffic gradually resumed.
Questions Raised Over Road Safety
The accident has once again highlighted concerns regarding road safety on NH-27.
Local residents said that speeding vehicles frequently cause accidents along the highway and demanded stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. They called for speed-control measures, warning signs, better street lighting, and increased police patrolling to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Investigation Intensified
Police officials stated that a formal case has been registered and that every aspect of the incident is being investigated.
Investigators are relying on CCTV footage, eyewitness statements, and technical evidence to identify the vehicle responsible. Authorities have assured that strict legal action will be taken against the driver once identified.
Local Residents' Demands
Villagers have demanded adequate financial assistance for the victim's family, employment for one family member, and the immediate arrest of the driver responsible for the accident.
They also warned that if timely action is not taken, they may launch a larger public protest in the coming days.
The tragic accident near Pakri village on NH-27 in Gopalganj district, which claimed the life of 32-year-old mason Harendra Das, has deeply shocked the local community. The driver's escape from the scene has further intensified public anger.
Although the highway blockade ended after police assurances, the incident has once again underscored the urgent need for improved road safety measures and stricter action against reckless driving. Public attention now remains focused on the police investigation and the arrest of the absconding driver.
