Nine Killed in Car-Truck Collision in West Bengal's Purulia
Nine people died in a head-on collision between an SUV and a truck in West Bengal's Purulia district on Friday morning. The accident occurred around 6:30 am on NH-18 at Namshol village within the Balarampur police station limits. All nine occupants of the SUV were killed instantly in the crash. Police have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the tragic incident.
Unpacked:
Speeding is a primary factor, especially as improved roads have led to higher vehicle speeds without adequate control measures. Other causes include driver error, poor enforcement of traffic laws, and inadequate road safety infrastructure. In 2021, West Bengal witnessed 5,800 road accident fatalities, with four-wheelers and trucks being major contributors to these incidents.
Yes, in January 2025, West Bengal introduced new safe speed limits tailored to different road types and traffic conditions. This policy aims to address rising road fatalities by enforcing context-specific speed limits, such as a 50 km/hr maximum in urban areas, reflecting a significant step in advancing road safety.
West Bengal has a high road accident fatality rate, with 5,800 deaths reported in 2021. While this is substantial, states like Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh have recorded the highest number of accidents nationally. West Bengal's fatality numbers are among the higher rates in India, especially for pedestrians and four-wheeler users.
India observes National Road Safety Month each January to raise awareness about safe driving and road use. Recent national efforts focus on stricter enforcement of traffic laws, public education campaigns, and improvements in road infrastructure, with the goal of halving road fatalities by 2030.