Tragic Loss: Samajwadi Party Leader’s Life Cut Short as 400-Kg Streetlight Pole Crushes Car in UP’s Pratapgarh
In a shocking incident in Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh, a 47-year-old Samajwadi Party (SP) leader was tragically killed when a 30-foot-tall, 400-kilogram streetlight pole fell onto his vehicle. The accident took place on Sunday in the Babuganj area, where workers were installing a high-mast light at a petrol station using a hydraulic crane, according to local law enforcement.
The victim, identified as Lal Bahadur Yadav, was a liquor businessman and a two-time candidate for panchayat elections. He was on a work-related trip when the heavy pole, being erected near the petrol pump, crashed onto his car. Disturbing video footage of the event has since circulated widely on social media, heightening public concern.
In the aftermath of the accident, Lal Bahadur’s uncle, Shankar Lal Yadav, attributed the incident to professional negligence. “It was sheer carelessness on the part of those responsible for installing the high-mast light that cost my nephew his life. They should have prohibited the movement of people and vehicles in the area until the installation work was completed. Because of this negligence, the road became unsafe,” Shankar expressed. He indicated plans to file a case against those accountable for the incident.
According to Additional Superintendent of Police (East) Shailendra Lal, a strap on the hydraulic machine snapped during the installation, causing the pole to fall directly onto Lal Bahadur’s vehicle. The driver was trapped between his seat and the steering wheel, suffering catastrophic injuries. Local residents managed to pry the car door open and transported him to a nearby medical facility, but he was unfortunately pronounced dead upon arrival. The police have since transported his body for forensic autopsy.
A formal complaint has been lodged by the victim’s brother, Vijay Yadav, leading to a case being filed under relevant statutes against the unidentified owner and employees of the petrol pump. Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Abdul Qadir Jilani, the Samajwadi Party’s district general secretary in Pratapgarh, commented on Lal Bahadur’s commitment to the party, noting that while he did not hold an official title, he was a devoted and active member. Jilani added that party leaders have reached out to the grieving family to extend their condolences and support during this difficult time.
As the investigation unfolds, questions surrounding safety protocols during construction work remain. The community is left grappling with the consequences of this tragic event, reflecting on the impacts of negligence in critical scenarios. This incident not only highlights the importance of safety measures but also serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can be altered by unforeseen accidents.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/samajwadi-party-leader-killed-in-up-s-pratapgarh-after-400-kg-streetlight-pole-falls-on-car-11771238935943.html
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Publish Date: 2026-02-16 17:25:00
