Safety at risk
Nagpur: A 15-year-old boy’s cycle ride ended in tragedy on Thursday night when a motorcycle allegedly hit his cycle on the newly opened Indora-Dighori flyover. Cops have also suggested extending the road divider towards the terminal points so that traffic remains properly channelled, and unsafe manoeuvres are restricted.
The stretch is narrow with no signage warning about risks involved in overtaking, they said. The officials said proper lighting and prominent warning and traffic signs are needed, as motorists are still getting used to the alignment of the newly opened flyover. The fatal accident has again put the spotlight on safety measures, road markings, signage, and illumination on the corridor. The accident has raised questions about safety arrangements on the new flyover. Police personnel who visited the spot expressed concerns over road signage and poor lighting. Sakkardara police have registered a case alleging causing death through negligent driving, dangerous or negligent operation of a vehicle, and causing injury through a negligent act, along with the applicable Motor Vehicles Act provision.
Class 8 student Kashif Javed Siddiqui, a resident of Adarsh Nagar on Umred Road, was returning home when the accident happened. Around 10.30pm, while cycling from Bada Tajbagh towards Bhande plot Square, Kashif was allegedly hit by a bike rider from behind. Biker Vijay Tidke was riding a bike at high speed and in a negligent manner when he hit Kashif’s bicycle, according to the complaint filed by the deceased’s uncle Aftab Ahmed Siddiqui (47).
Kashif’s family said that his friend wanted to enjoy a ride on the newly constructed flyover. “His cycle’s rear wheel was bent,” said a family member.