In a shocking incident, a 47-year-old Samajwadi Party (SP) leader lost his life after a streetlight pole being installed collapsed onto his moving car in Pratapgarh district on Sunday.
The deceased has been identified as Lal Bahadur Yadav, who was also a liquor businessman. According to police, the accident occurred near a petrol pump in the Babuganj Bazaar area when a light pole, reportedly under installation, suddenly fell onto his vehicle as he was passing through the stretch.
Pole collapses during installation
Police officials said the pole was being erected when it unexpectedly gave way, crashing onto Yadav’s car. The impact caused severe damage to the vehicle and left him critically injured.
Local residents immediately rushed to the scene and managed to pull him out of the wrecked car. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Probe into possible negligence
Authorities have begun an inquiry to ascertain whether negligence during the installation process led to the tragic incident. Officials are expected to question those involved in the work and examine safety measures at the site.
Meanwhile, a video purportedly showing the incident has surfaced and is being widely circulated on social media, drawing attention to concerns over public safety during civic works.
Police said further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.