In a heartbreaking incident, an accident involving E-Rickshaw claims young life in Delhi’s Burari area, shocking residents and raising urgent questions about e-rickshaw safety. The victim, Mihir, a five-year-old boy from Seelampur, lost his life on Tuesday when an unattended e-rickshaw suddenly started moving in Uttarakhand Colony. This tragedy highlights the growing danger of negligence among e-rickshaw drivers in the city.
According to police reports, the e-rickshaw driver, Raja Ram, parked his vehicle near an electric pole around 2 PM to deliver water cans. Unfortunately, he left the keys in the ignition. At that time, Mihir and his cousin were playing nearby. While playing, one of them climbed into the e-rickshaw, unknowingly turned it on, and the vehicle started moving forward. The rickshaw struck Mihir, leaving him critically injured.
Witnesses said they tried to stop the moving rickshaw but failed. Locals rushed Mihir to Burari Hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. The police immediately charged Raja Ram with negligence leading to death, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures for e-rickshaw drivers.
Mihir’s mother, Rupali, 24, is devastated. She said, “I was feeding Mihir before he ran outside to play. I followed him, but before I could reach, the e-rickshaw started moving. My son was mowed down. I tried to stop it, but I couldn’t.” She blamed the driver for carelessly leaving his keys inside the rickshaw. Rupali’s husband, Mayur, works small jobs to support the family, which also includes a three-month-old baby girl.
This tragedy sheds light on the rapid rise of e-rickshaw-related accidents in Delhi. As of September 2023, police records show 24 deaths and more than 100 injuries linked to e-rickshaw negligence. These electric vehicles are popular for being affordable and eco-friendly, but safety standards are often ignored.
Experts say that such accidents occur because many e-rickshaw drivers lack proper training or awareness of safety guidelines. Some drivers leave their vehicles running or unattended while delivering goods, which poses serious risks, especially in residential areas where children play.
The government and local transport authorities are now under pressure to take stronger action. Officials have proposed mandatory driver training, periodic vehicle checks, and penalties for leaving vehicles unattended. In addition, there is discussion about installing child safety zones and designated parking areas to prevent such tragedies.
Community leaders in Burari have also urged authorities to increase safety awareness campaigns. They want stricter monitoring and better traffic enforcement, especially in neighborhoods where children often play outdoors.
Experts also recommend that parents and residents stay vigilant. Small steps, like keeping children away from parked vehicles and teaching them road safety, can help prevent accidents.
Across India, e-rickshaws have become a lifeline for affordable transport. However, the rise in accidents and poor regulation demand urgent reforms from the authorities. Authorities must balance convenience with safety to avoid more heartbreaking incidents like this.
In conclusion, the accident involving E-Rickshaw claims young life serves as a painful reminder that negligence can have devastating consequences. As Delhi continues to grow, it is vital for both drivers and citizens to act responsibly. Stricter rules, awareness programs, and united community efforts can save young lives from preventable accidents.
