Watch video: Elderly man run over twice by reversing SUV in Jhansi

New Delhi: A horrifying incident in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, left a 70-year-old man critically injured after he was run over twice by a reversing SUV. The bone-chilling event, captured on CCTV, has sparked concerns about road safety and driver awareness.

Incident caught on CCTV

The incident unfolded in the Sipri Bazaar area of Jhansi. CCTV footage shows a white Toyota Fortuner attempting to reverse down a narrow street congested with parked vehicles on both sides.

Tragically, 70-year-old Rajendra Gupta was unseen behind the SUV. The driver, unaware of Gupta's presence, reversed the vehicle, striking him and causing him to fall underneath.

In #UttarPradesh's #Jhansi, a SUV can be seen driving in reverse over an elderly man. The victim was dragged with the SUV for few meters before it stopped and the drriver again drove over the man writhing in pain on the street. pic.twitter.com/tkyCdoWoZX

— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) May 24, 2024

Driver unaware of full extent of incident

Alarmingly, the driver continued to reverse for a few meters, dragging Gupta beneath the heavy SUV. Bystanders, alerted by Gupta's screams, rushed to the scene. Only then did the driver stop and move the vehicle forward, unknowingly inflicting further injuries.

Driver tool victim in his vehicle

Following the incident, the driver, realizing the seriousness of the situation, emerged from the vehicle. With the help of the gathered crowd, Gupta was pulled out from under the Fortuner. The driver, in a confusing turn of events, even offered to take the injured man to the hospital in the same vehicle that caused the accident.

The police were called to the scene, and a case of reckless driving, endangering life, and causing grievous injuries has been registered against the driver based on a complaint filed by Gupta's son. The police are currently investigating the incident.

This harrowing incident underscores the importance of caution while driving in congested areas, especially when reversing. It also highlights the need for driver awareness and the responsibility to check surroundings before maneuvering a vehicle.