A major accident was narrowly averted at Matwala Crossing in Belur, Howrah, on Wednesday when a father and his two school-going daughters fell into a large roadside drain during peak school closing hours. The area, which witnesses heavy congestion in the afternoon, turned chaotic as the motorcycle carrying the trio lost balance amid traffic pressure. Local residents rushed to the spot and rescued the two students in time.
According to locals, the stretch remains heavily crowded every day during school dismissal hours, with multiple educational institutions located nearby. Residents alleged that 10- to 16-wheeler lorries frequently pass through the area at high speed even during this sensitive time, increasing the risk of accidents. They said the movement of heavy vehicles, coupled with traffic congestion, creates a dangerous situation for students and guardians.
Despite repeated concerns, residents claimed there is no visible police deployment to manage traffic during school hours. The latest incident has once again raised questions over traffic regulation and safety measures in the area, particularly around schools where children commute daily.