The statewide frequent road mishaps have been continuing and for reckless and speeding riding of motorbikes, five youths were killed within the last 48-hours and critical injuries to four other pillion riders in two separate parts of the state.
On Sunday evening, three youths were killed and three others sustained serious injuries in a horrific road accident involving two motorcycles near Dasharath Deb Memorial School at Kalacherra area of South Tripura district along the Sabroom–Agartala National Highway and again on Tuesday afternoon, two more youths were killed and another critically injured in a road accident in Tripura’s Khowai district.
Police sources said that the accident occurred when the motorcycle carrying the three youths overturned at Padmabil, near a petrol pump, while they were returning home after fishing.
The two victims, identified as Biswajit Munda (25) and Bishu Munda( 26) died on the spot after the two-wheeler overturned. Their bodies were recovered by the police and sent for post-mortem examination.
The injured youth, identified as Tapan Gowala ( 26), was initially rushed to a nearby medical facility and later shifted to GB Hospital in Agartala for further treatment. His condition was stated to be critical.
Tuesday's road mishap occurred within 48 hours of another fatal accident in South Tripura district, in which three youths were killed and three others, including two young women, sustained serious injuries in a collision involving two motorcycles.
Police said the accident occurred when two motorcycles collided head-on at high speed. The impact was so severe that the riders and pillion occupants were thrown onto the road and suffered critical injuries.
Hearing the cries for help, local residents rushed to the accident site and rescued the injured persons.
They were subsequently taken to the Kalacherra Primary Health Centre for medical treatment. Police have identified the three deceased youths as Mukesh Tripura( 19), Sani Deol Tripura(18) and Sanjib Tripura( 19).
Among those injured in the Sunday accident, one youth has been identified as Prahar Tripura( 19). The identities of the two other injured girls were not immediately available.
The two consecutive fatal road accidents have once again highlighted concerns over road safety in Tripura, particularly along highways where speeding and dangerous driving often result in serious accidents.
Police in both cases have initiated investigations to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the accidents.