Dumka Road Accident: Auto-Truck Collision Claims Four Lives on Dumka-Rampurhat Highway

Dumka, January 05, 2025: A tragic road accident occurred late Saturday evening on the Dumka-Rampurhat highway near Dasoraydih, claiming the lives of four individuals, including three members of the same family. The victims were returning from a picnic when their auto collided with a truck loaded with paddy.

Details of the Dumka Family Accident

The accident took place when the auto, carrying eight passengers, collided head-on with a truck traveling towards West Bengal. The collision was so severe that the truck dragged the auto for several meters, causing significant damage and leading to multiple casualties.

Among the deceased are Sanjay Shah (55), his wife Poonam Devi (45), their daughter Muskan (22) and the auto driver, identified as Bittu. Sanjay Shah, a manager at a local cement business, was returning home after spending the day with his family and relatives at the scenic Massanjore Dam.

Injuries and Medical Response

Four other passengers sustained injuries in the accident, three of whom are in critical condition. The injured include:

The critically injured were initially rushed to Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital in Dumka. Due to the severity of their injuries, they were later referred to a higher medical facility for advanced treatment.

Sequence of Events Leading to the Picnic Tragedy in Dumka

According to family members, the group had planned a day trip to Massanjore, a popular picnic spot in Jharkhand. On their way back, the auto collided with the truck near Dasoraydih. Eyewitnesses reported that the impact was so powerful that the auto was nearly crushed, leaving no time for the passengers to react.

The truck driver reportedly fled the scene immediately after the accident. Local authorities have launched an investigation to locate the driver and determine the exact cause of the collision.

Police Investigation and Action

Upon receiving information about the accident, police from the Dumka Sadar police station arrived at the scene. They coordinated with emergency services to transport the injured to the hospital and recover the bodies of the deceased.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the truck was overloaded with paddy and traveling at high speed, which may have contributed to the severity of the collision.

Impact on the Community

The Dumka family accident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with neighbors and friends mourning the loss of lives. Sanjay Shah was a well-known figure in the area and his untimely death along with his family members, has left a void that will be difficult to fill.

Road Safety Concerns in Jharkhand

This tragic incident has once again highlighted the growing concerns over road safety in Jharkhand. The Dumka-Rampurhat highway, a critical route connecting Jharkhand and West Bengal, has seen an increase in accidents due to reckless driving and poor road conditions.

Authorities have been urged to take stringent measures to ensure safer travel on this route, including regular vehicle checks, speed monitoring and stricter enforcement of traffic rules.