HALDWANI: Three people, including a Class 10 student, died in three separate road accidents in Haldwani late Monday night, while four others sustained serious injuries. The series of crashes, that took place within a short span of time across the Kathgodam–Haldwani region, has triggered shock and renewed concerns about road safety and late-night speeding.
According to police officials, the most tragic incident involved 16-year-old Mayank Bisht, a Class 10 student from Phoolchaur, who was riding a motorcycle with his friend Gaurav around 9:45 pm. Their bike reportedly lost control near a dimly lit stretch and first collided with a scooter before veering into a roadside stall. Mayank died on the spot due to severe head injuries, while Gaurav was rushed to a hospital in critical condition.
Residents near the accident spot said that the corridor has long been unsafe due to poor lighting and frequent overspeeding. “Bikes race here almost every night. It’s dangerous for everyone. This accident was waiting to happen,” said a local shopkeeper who witnessed the aftermath.
In the second incident of the night, a middle-aged man was fatally struck by a speeding vehicle on the Kaladhungi road. Locals rushed him to the nearest clinic, but he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity to identify the vehicle.
The third fatal crash occurred near Gaulapar, where a two-wheeler skidded off the road, killing the rider instantly and injuring two pillion passengers. The injured were taken to a government hospital, where their condition remains critical. Preliminary investigation suggests rash driving and slippery road conditions may have contributed to the accident.
Our correspondent adds that the victims in all three cases were between 16 and 45 years old, highlighting a troubling rise in road accidents involving young riders. Police say overspeeding, negligent riding, and poor visibility at night are recurring factors in most such tragedies.
A police spokesperson said, “We appeal to all riders to follow speed limits, wear helmets, and avoid late-night high-speed driving. Parents must ensure that minors do not ride two-wheelers. These accidents are preventable.”
Police have also announced intensified patrolling on accident-prone stretches, especially during evening and late-night hours. Traffic units have been directed to conduct random checks for speeding, drunk driving, and helmet violations.
Community Shock and Demands for Safer Roads
The death of Mayank Bisht, a bright and well-liked student, has shaken the school community. Teachers described him as disciplined and academically strong. “We have lost a promising young boy. It is heartbreaking,” said one faculty member.
Local residents have urged authorities to install speed-breakers, streetlights, and warning signs along vulnerable corridors. Many families living in the region say they fear letting their children step out at night due to frequent high-speed bike races.
Rising Accident Trends in the Region
Experts note that Haldwani and Nainital district have seen a sharp increase in road accidents over recent years. Factors include:
Unsupervised underage driving
Overspeeding on newly widened roads
Lack of streetlighting in semi-urban stretches
Poor enforcement of traffic laws
Increased vehicle volume without parallel infrastructure upgrades
A traffic analyst said, “The combination of young riders, powerful bikes, and poorly lit roads is extremely dangerous. Enforcement and awareness must go hand in hand.”
Administration Promises Measures
The district administration is reportedly reviewing proposals for installing better lighting, reflective signage, and automatic speed-monitoring devices. NGOs and local schools are planning awareness sessions to educate teenagers on road discipline and helmet use.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
