Deadly Purulia Accident: Trailer Crushes Bolero, Killing 9, Injuring Others

A horrific accident on National Highway-18 near Namshol, Balarampur, in West Bengal’s Purulia district claimed nine lives when a speeding trailer collided with a Bolero. The victims, returning from a wedding in Jharkhand’s Nimdi village, were trapped in the mangled vehicle, with screams echoing as locals rushed to help. Reported by Balarampur police at 7:00 AM, the crash injured three others, who were rushed to Purulia Government Medical College. The tragedy has sparked grief and demands for stricter highway safety measures.

Details of the Tragedy

The Bolero, carrying 12 passengers, was traveling toward Purulia when a trailer, loaded with industrial goods, veered into its path, striking it head-on. The impact crushed the Bolero, killing seven instantly, with two succumbing en route to the hospital. The deceased, identified as members of two families from Purulia’s Jhalda area, included four women and a child aged 6. The trailer driver, detained admitted to losing control due to high speed, per initial police statements. A crane was deployed to extract the wreckage, and forensic teams collected evidence to determine if mechanical failure contributed.

Rescue and Investigation

Local villagers and police launched a frantic rescue effort, but the Bolero’s condition hindered access to survivors. The SDRF arrived by 7:30 AM, extricating three injured passengers, now stable but critical. Purulia SP Avijit Banerjee confirmed the trailer driver faces charges under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash driving. The investigation is probing road conditions, as NH-18’s narrow stretches and poor signage have long been flagged by locals. A traffic blockade by mourners disrupted the highway for two hours, reflecting community outrage.

A Call for Action

The accident, one of the deadliest on NH-18 in 2025, exposes systemic issues in highway safety. Purulia residents cite frequent crashes due to inadequate traffic management and unchecked heavy vehicles. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced ₹2 lakh compensation for each victim’s family at 10:00 AM IST. As the community mourns, this tragedy underscores the urgent need for road upgrades, stricter enforcement, and awareness to prevent such devastating losses.