Late-Night Murthal Crash Claims 2 Lives in Fiery Collision
In a horrifying incident that has shaken the community, two cousins were burnt alive after their speeding car crashed into a stationary truck on the Delhi-Chandigarh Highway near Murthal. The accident occurred around 1:30 AM, reigniting concerns about road safety and late-night highway dangers.
The Tragic Incident: What Happened?
The victims, identified as Rohan Verma (28) and Arjun Mehta (26), were returning from a family event in Panipat when their Hyundai i20 lost control and slammed into the rear of an illegally parked truck. The collision triggered an immediate blaze, trapping the young men inside.
Bystanders and local dhaba workers rushed to help but were unable to rescue the cousins due to the intense flames. By the time firefighters arrived, both had succumbed to severe burns.
Eyewitnesses Describe the Horror
- Rajesh Kumar, a dhaba owner: “We heard a massive crash—the car was already on fire. We tried to help, but the heat was unbearable.”
- Priya Sharma, a student: “We were eating at Murthal when it happened. The highway is unsafe at night—this could’ve been anyone.”
Police Probe: Key Findings
The Sonipat Police investigation highlights critical lapses:
– The truck was parked without hazard lights or reflectors.
– The car was speeding, likely contributing to the crash.
– The truck driver fled the scene; authorities are reviewing CCTV footage.
SHO Murthal Vikram Singh stated: “Both parties share blame. We’re investigating negligence and traffic violations.”
Murthal’s Deadly Highway: A Recurring Issue
This isn’t the first fatal accident on this stretch:
– 2022: Three IT professionals died in a similar crash.
– Common Causes: Poor lighting, reckless driving, and illegal truck parking.
Families Demand Action
The victims’ grieving relatives called for:
✔ Stricter no-parking enforcement for trucks.
✔ Better highway lighting and reflectors.
✔ Harsher penalties for traffic violations.
“How many more lives will be lost?” — Rohan’s father, Prakash Verma.
A Wake-Up Call for Road Safety
Despite the 2019 Motor Vehicles Act, highway safety enforcement remains weak. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent future losses.
— NextMinuteNews | Advocating for Safer Roads
