Pulwama, May 31: A five-year-old boy lost his life while his father sustained injuries after a speeding Tata Mobile load carrier hit them near Higher Secondary School Arihal in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday afternoon.
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According to locals, the child died on the spot, while his father, identified as Altaf Ahmad Wagay, suffered injuries and was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the vehicle was moving at a high speed and the driver failed to apply the brakes before hitting the father-son duo.
“The vehicle was in high speed, and the driver didn’t even apply the brakes,” an eyewitness said.
Locals said Altaf Ahmad Wagay and his son had reportedly been sitting near a local shop moments before the accident. The duo was struck while attempting to cross the road near the school premises.
According to residents, the driver later claimed that he did not notice them crossing the road.
Police sources said the accident took place near the Higher Secondary School when the load carrier hit the duo. Following the incident, police took the driver into custody along with the vehicle involved in the accident.
An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragedy triggered grief and anger in the area, with residents blaming rash driving and lack of traffic safety measures for the fatal accident.
Locals said vehicles frequently overspeed on the road despite the presence of a school and heavy pedestrian movement in the area.
“There should be speed breakers here. This road is dangerous for schoolchildren and pedestrians,” a local resident said.
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Residents have urged authorities to install traffic calming measures and strengthen road safety enforcement in the area to prevent similar tragedies in future.
