Once again, a tragic Janakpuri road accident has exposed the deadly consequences of reckless driving in Delhi. Just days after a fatal SUV crash in Dwarka, another speeding vehicle claimed the life of a six-year-old schoolgirl in West Delhi. Sadly, the incident has intensified concerns over road safety, especially near schools and residential areas.
Janakpuri Road Accident Near Fire Station Turns Fatal
The accident occurred around 7:40 am on February 17 near the Janakpuri Fire Station. At that time, Preshelle Prince (6) was travelling to school with her maternal grandmother, Mercy Xavier (57). However, their journey turned tragic when a speeding Santro car rammed into their e-rickshaw from behind.
As a result of the impact, the e-rickshaw overturned, throwing both the child and her grandmother onto the road. Consequently, they suffered serious injuries. Passersby then rushed them to Mata Chanan Devi Hospital in Janakpuri. Later, doctors referred the child to a private hospital in Dwarka for advanced treatment. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, the child succumbed to her injuries.
Police Action After Janakpuri Road Accident
Following the incident, police registered a case at the Janakpuri police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to rash and negligent driving causing death. Moreover, police seized the offending vehicle and detained the accused driver.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sharad Bhaskar confirmed that the accused, identified as Sanjeev, a resident of Majra Dabas, remains in custody. Meanwhile, investigators continue to examine CCTV footage and witness statements to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Grandmother Alleges Bystanders Failed to Help
Meanwhile, the child’s grandmother recalled the horrifying moments after the crash. According to her, several people stood nearby but chose not to help.
“I begged a car driver who was watching us to take my granddaughter to the hospital. Instead, he ran away,” she alleged.
Because of shock and pain, she could not clearly identify the vehicle involved. Nevertheless, she stressed that the lack of immediate help worsened the situation.
Mother Learns of Accident Through Distress Call
Meanwhile, the child’s mother, who works at a hospital, received a distress call from her mother informing her about the accident. Subsequently, she rushed to the hospital.
Later, a hospital staff member who witnessed the incident shared disturbing details. She explained that the elderly woman cried on the road and pleaded for help. However, no one initially responded. Eventually, the hospital staffer and a young boy stepped in and took the injured child to the hospital.
Road Safety Concerns Grow in Delhi
Importantly, this Janakpuri road accident has once again highlighted the growing threat of overspeeding and negligent driving in Delhi. Despite repeated accidents, enforcement remains weak in school zones and residential areas. Therefore, residents and activists have demanded stricter speed monitoring and harsher penalties.
In addition, experts have called for better traffic awareness and public responsibility. Unless authorities act swiftly, such tragic incidents may continue to claim innocent lives.
