Maharashtra News: A tragic incident in Mumbai has left a community mourning after a four-year-old boy was fatally struck by a speeding vehicle. The accident occurred in the Wadala area while the child was playing on the street. According to police reports, the driver, identified as 19-year-old Bhushan Gole, was reversing his Hyundai Creta when he hit the child. Fortunately, Gole did not flee the scene and was subsequently arrested by authorities.Driver Arrested and Investigation UnderwayPolice officials confirmed that Gole is facing charges under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Initial investigations indicated that he was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, as stated by a police spokesperson to news agency PTI. The investigation continues as authorities gather more details surrounding this unfortunate event.A Familys HeartbreakThe young victims family lives on a footpath in Wadala, with his father working as a laborer. This tragedy highlights the vulnerabilities faced by families living in such precarious circumstances. The loss of their child has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about road safety and the protection of children in urban environments.Recent Road Safety Concerns in MumbaiThis incident is not isolated it follows another severe road accident earlier this month in Kurla, where a civic-run electric bus lost control, resulting in seven fatalities and injuring 42 others. The crash, which damaged over 20 vehicles, has intensified discussions about road safety measures in Mumbai. CCTV footage of that incident has circulated widely, further alarming residents about traffic conditions.Maharashtras Alarming Road Accident StatisticsMaharashtra ranks among the states with the highest number of road accidents in India. A report from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways revealed that between 2018 and 2022, the state recorded 66,370 road accident deaths, placing it third after Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized during a recent Parliament session that road accidents claim approximately 178,000 lives annually, with 60% of victims aged between 18 and 34 years.The tragic death of this young boy serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures across Maharashtra. As communities grieve and demand accountability, it becomes crucial for authorities to take decisive action to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents from occurring in the future.
