Tragic accident in Howrah due to poor road, lorry crushes youth to death, angry locals protest

A devastating accident shook Howrah’s Bagnan-Mansatala area early Wednesday morning when a 25-year-old Monirul Islam was crushed to death by a lorry on the Bagnan to Shyampur 58 Gate road. The young man, a resident of Bagnan, was riding his motorcycle toward Shyampur when he lost control on a stretch of road littered with soil from ongoing water pipeline excavations. As he fell, a speeding lorry heading from Shyampur to Uluberia ran билет ran over him, killing him instantly. The tragedy sparked outrage among locals, leading to road blockades and protests, which police struggled to control for hours.

Monirul, a familiar face in the locality, was described by his family as a hardworking individual with dreams of a better future. The accident occurred around early morning 6:30 AM amidst light rain, which may have worsened road conditions. The road, partially obstructed by heaps of excavated soil, became treacherous, causing Monirul to skid and fall. Eyewitnesses reported the lorry driver, who fled the scene, showed no attempt to stop, intensifying local anger over reckless driving and poor road maintenance in the area.The incident took place on a notorious stretch of the Bagnan-Shyampur road, where ongoing water pipeline work has left the road in disarray.

Locals have long complained about the dangers posed by construction debris and heavy vehicles ignoring traffic rules. Just months ago, a similar lorry-bus collision in Bagnan claimed three lives, fueling accusations of negligence by authorities. The community’s frustration boiled over post-accident, with residents blocking the road to demand accountability and safer infrastructure.

Police from the Bagnan station responded swiftly, calming the agitated crowd after prolonged efforts. Monirul’s body was recovered and sent to Shyampur Hospital for a post-mortem, while officers informed his grieving family, who are shattered by the loss. The lorry driver remains at large, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify him. A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been filed, with investigations focusing on whether the lorry was overloaded or mechanically faulty.The tragedy has reignited calls for better road safety measures in Howrah, particularly on busy routes like the Bagnan-Shyampur corridor. Locals are urging the installation of speed breakers, improved signage, and stricter enforcement against heavy vehicles. The protests, though disruptive, underscored the community’s desperation for change, as similar accidents have claimed numerous lives in recent years, including a joint BDO in Shyampur in 2022.

Monirul’s family, now mourning the loss of their son and brother, faces an uncertain future. As the investigation continues, the Howrah community demands justice and systemic reforms to prevent such heart-wrenching losses, hoping Monirul’s death will not be in vain.