In a tragic turn of events, five Nepalese nationals lost their lives in a road accident while returning from the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The accident occurred on February 2, 2025, in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, when the SUV they were traveling in overturned while trying to avoid a stunt biker on the Madhubani four-lane bypass.
The vehicle was traveling at high speed when the driver swerved sharply to avoid colliding with a biker who was performing dangerous stunts on the road. Unfortunately, the driver lost control, causing the SUV to hit a divider and flip over multiple times. Five of the nine occupants in the SUV were killed instantly, while four others sustained critical injuries.
Eyewitness Account and Police Investigation
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the accident was caused by a biker performing reckless stunts on the highway. The driver of the SUV swerved sharply to avoid hitting the biker, leading to the tragic crash. According to India Blooms, the vehicle overturned multiple times, resulting in extensive damage.
Local authorities are investigating the incident, and efforts are being made to identify and apprehend the biker responsible. The authorities have also informed the Nepalese government about the incident, and steps are being taken to contact the victims’ families.
The Victims of the Accident
The accident claimed the lives of five Nepalese nationals: Mantarni Devi (45), Archana Thakur (30), Indu Devi (55), Bal Krishna Jha (60), and the driver of the SUV. All five victims were pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of the crash.
The four injured passengers, identified as Manohar Thakur, Srishti Thakur, Kamni Jha, and Devtaran Devi, were rushed to Shri Krishna Memorial Medical College for treatment. Their condition remains critical, and medical teams are working to provide them with the best possible care.
This incident has left their families in shock and mourning, as what was meant to be a spiritual journey to the Maha Kumbh Mela has turned into a devastating loss.
Dangers of Stunt Biking on Highways
This tragic accident underscores the growing issue of stunt biking on public roads, which has become a serious problem in recent years. Stunt bikers, often driven by adrenaline and social media fame, put not only their lives but also the lives of innocent travelers at risk. The reckless behavior exhibited by these bikers has resulted in several accidents, causing fatalities and severe injuries.
According to The Times of India, the presence of stunt bikers on highways has increased, and authorities have struggled to enforce laws and prevent such reckless behavior. Law enforcement agencies are now urging stricter measures to prevent stunt biking and ensure road safety for all travelers.
The Spiritual Journey to Maha Kumbh Mela
The victims were returning from the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held in Prayagraj. This event draws millions of devotees from all over India and neighboring countries like Nepal, who gather to take part in the spiritual experience. Unfortunately, for these five Nepalese nationals, their return journey from the sacred pilgrimage ended in tragedy.
This incident is not the first involving pilgrims returning from religious gatherings. The long journeys combined with high-speed travel on highways often increase the risk of road accidents, particularly in areas prone to reckless driving and unsafe road conditions.
The Need for Improved Road Safety Measures
This tragic accident highlights the urgent need for better road safety measures in both India and Nepal. With an increasing number of accidents involving SUV rollovers and speeding vehicles, it is crucial for authorities to implement stricter traffic regulations, enforce speed limits, and crack down on dangerous activities like stunt biking on highways.
Campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of reckless driving and promoting responsible road behavior are necessary to prevent future tragedies. Additionally, governments should work together to improve infrastructure, increase highway patrols, and provide safer travel options for long-distance travelers and pilgrims.
As local authorities investigate the incident and families mourn their loss, the focus should remain on preventing such accidents from happening again in the future.
For more information on road safety and steps being taken to reduce road accidents, you can read more on the Kathmandu Post about similar incidents involving Nepalese nationals in India.
Conclusion
The tragic deaths of these five Nepalese nationals serve as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers on the road. The accident, caused by a stunt biker’s reckless behavior, has left a lasting impact on the victims’ families and communities. To prevent similar incidents in the future, stricter enforcement of traffic laws and greater awareness of the consequences of reckless driving are essential. Both Nepalese and Indian authorities must work together to ensure safer roads for all travelers.
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