An eight-year-old child lost his life in a tragic road accident involving an e-rickshaw in the Barshala area of Doda district on Sunday, officials said, raising serious concerns over child safety and unregulated use of electric vehicles in rural areas.
The deceased has been identified as Karan, a resident of Barshala. According to officials, the minor was driving the e-rickshaw when it met with an accident under circumstances that are yet to be fully ascertained. Another child was also travelling in the vehicle at the time of the mishap.
Child died on the spot
Police said Karan sustained critical injuries in the accident and died on the spot. The second child suffered injuries but is reported to be in a stable condition and is undergoing treatment.
The incident has shocked residents of the area, with locals expressing concern over children operating vehicles without supervision or proper safeguards.
Police initiate investigation
Personnel from the local police station reached the scene soon after receiving information about the accident and took cognisance of the matter. The body was shifted to a nearby hospital for necessary medico-legal formalities.
A case has been registered, and an investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the accident, including how the minor came to be driving the e-rickshaw and whether negligence or safety violations were involved.
Safety concerns resurface
The incident has once again highlighted the growing safety risks associated with the increasing presence of e-rickshaws, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas where enforcement and awareness may be limited.
Officials have urged parents and guardians to ensure that children are not allowed to operate vehicles and have stressed the need for stricter monitoring to prevent such tragedies.