Fog, Lack of Safety, and Delayed Rescue: Noida Techie's Fatal Crash Raises Alarms
Image Source: Internet
Foggy conditions and a series of civic and safety lapses led to the tragic death of a 27-year-old software engineer in Greater Noida on Saturday. Yuvraj Mehta, 27, lost control of his car while driving home from Gurugram and plunged into a deep water-filled excavation pit on a vacant plot in Sector 150. The accident occurred at a sharp 90-degree turn with weak fencing and minimal ground safety measures. Poor visibility due to dense fog compounded the risk, turning what could have been a manageable driving error into a fatal accident. Mehta managed to climb onto the roof of his partially submerged car and called his father for help, but despite a 90-minute rescue effort, he succumbed to his injuries. An FIR has been registered against two real estate developers for alleged negligence, including the absence of barricades, reflectors, and safety measures. Investigations have revealed several key lapses that contributed to the tragedy: 1. **Unsecured Water-Filled Pit**: Unchecked rainwater accumulation in a dug-up commercial plot created an unfenced waterbody, with no drainage, monitoring, or safety barriers. The delay in installing a rainwater regulator, agreed upon in 2023, exacerbated the issue. 2. **Dangerous Road Bend**: The 90-degree turn lacked robust crash barriers, advance warning signage, and adequate lighting, making it a hazardous stretch for drivers. Poor visibility due to fog further increased the risk. 3. **Timely Rescue Eludes**: Emergency teams struggled to mount an effective rescue operation due to inadequate equipment, training, and safety measures. Ropes were too short, cranes could not reach the spot, and responders were not equipped to enter the water safely. In response to the outrage, the Uttar Pradesh government has removed the Noida Authority CEO and set up a three-member SIT to probe the circumstances surrounding Mehta's death. The panel has been asked to submit its report within five days.
