18 Injured in Van-Lorry Collision on National Highway

Eighteen people sustained injuries in a serious accident involving a van and a lorry on the bustling National Highway 44 near Ambala early Wednesday morning. The collision, which occurred amidst the morning rush hour, has raised concerns about road safety on one of India's busiest routes.

Eyewitnesses reported that the van, carrying passengers from a nearby village, collided with the lorry shortly after 8 AM. The impact was so severe that it left several passengers trapped inside the van. Local residents quickly gathered to assist the victims, while others contacted emergency services. “It was chaotic; people were screaming for help, and we immediately tried to pull them out,” said Ramesh Kumar, a local shopkeeper who witnessed the accident.

Rescue teams arrived promptly on the scene, managing to extricate the injured passengers and transport them to the nearest hospitals, including the Civil Hospital in Ambala. Medical staff reported that most injuries sustained were consistent with minor to moderate trauma, though a few individuals had more serious conditions. Authorities have assured the families of those injured that they will receive necessary support and treatment.

Traffic on the highway was significantly impacted during the rescue operation, leading to a long queue of vehicles in both directions. Local police cordoned off the area to facilitate emergency response efforts and restore order. They later reopened the highway after several hours, but not before advising motorists to exercise caution due to ongoing investigations into the accident.

Local authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the factors that contributed to the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that reckless driving and possible mechanical failure of the lorry may have played roles in the incident. Officials are urging both commercial vehicle operators and personal drivers to adhere to safety regulations while on the road.

As the investigation unfolds, the incident has served as a grim reminder of the challenges that come with road safety in India. With an increasing number of vehicles on the roads, calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better public awareness about road safety are becoming more urgent. “We need to learn from these tragedies. Measures must be taken to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” expressed a spokesperson from the Ambala District Traffic Police.

As families await updates on their loved ones, the community continues to rally together to support those affected by the accident. Local leaders are expected to hold discussions on improving road safety measures in the region in light of the crash. This incident not only highlights the immediate need for action but also opens a wider conversation about the state of road safety across the nation.