Stationary toto hit by tractor in Malda; Driver dead, 2 passengers injured

A stationary Toto was hit by a tractor in Samsi, Malda district, on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the death of the Toto driver and injuries to two passengers. The deceased, identified as Isha Ali (50), was a resident of Laxipur village in Ratua-2 block. The tractor driver fled the scene immediately after the collision. Local residents alerted the authorities, and the injured were taken to Samsi Rural Hospital before being referred to Malda Medical College and Hospital due to their critical condition. Doctors declared the Toto driver dead upon arrival, while the two injured passengers are undergoing treatment.

Police have seized both the tractor and the Toto and shifted them to the Samsi police outpost. Law enforcement officials have launched a search operation to locate the absconding tractor driver. Preliminary findings indicate that the accident occurred while the Toto was parked on the roadside, though further investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances. Officials are recording witness statements and checking for any available CCTV footage from the area to establish the sequence of events.

The incident has raised concerns among locals regarding road safety in the region. Similar cases of unauthorized or speeding tractors have been reported in rural areas, leading to demands for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Authorities are expected to take necessary action based on the findings of the investigation.