Class 6 student returning from tuition crushed under lorry in Kolkata's Majherhat
A routine journey home from private tuition turned fatal for a 12-year-old boy in Kolkata on Friday after a cement-laden lorry ran him over near Majherhat railway station.
The child, identified as Anmol Jha, was riding his bicycle when the speeding vehicle hit him and dragged him along the road. He was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The tragic accident took place in the Majherhat area, under the jurisdiction of Taratala police station.
According to reports, Jha was returning home after attending private tuition when he attempted to cross the road near the railway station.
A cement-laden lorry, travelling from the main road towards the interior stretch, allegedly struck him.
The impact threw the young cyclist under the vehicle. He reportedly became trapped beneath its wheels, and the lorry dragged him for some distance before coming to a halt. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.
Local residents rushed to rescue the boy and took him to a hospital. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival. News of his death left his family devastated.
The accident triggered widespread tension in the neighbourhood. Angry residents allegedly vandalised the lorry and raised questions about the movement of heavy vehicles along the narrow stretch.
They questioned how a loaded lorry could travel at such speed on a road with limited space, demanding greater traffic regulation to prevent similar tragedies.
A large police contingent reached the spot and intervened to bring the situation under control. The police seized the vehicle and took it to the police station. The boy's body has been sent for post-mortem examination.
Taratala police have initiated an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area to identify and trace the absconding driver.
The incident has once again brought road safety and the movement of heavy vehicles through narrow residential stretches in Kolkata under scrutiny.