BIRATNAGAR, Jan 30: Laxmi Dhakal, 11, of Sundar Haraincha-9 lost her life on Monday after being crushed by a tipper-truck (Na 3 Kha 3355) heading toward Biratnagar from Biratchowk. Three months ago, thirty-five-year old Gita Katuwal of Rautamai Municipality-2 of Udayapur died after a tipper-truck hit her scooter in Sundar Haraincha. She died on the way to hospital.
Not just in Morang but the road fatalities caused by tipper-trucks have increased in various districts of the province. As per the details provided by the Province 1 Traffic Police Office (PTPO), Itahari, 19 accidents involving tipper-trucks have occurred in the province since the beginning of the current fiscal year. Reportedly, nine people have lost their lives while 43 have been injured.
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Reckless driving of overloaded tipper-trucks has become a threat not just for the commuters but also for passengers. Halfway through the fiscal year, eight tipper accidents have occurred in Morang alone. The details of the PTPO show that four tipper-led accidents have occurred in Biratchowk alone.
Locals have repeatedly taken to the streets demanding the administration ban the movement of tipper-trucks in Biratchowk but in vain. High-speed tipper-trucks have threatened the security of the locals here. Monday's tipper accident provoked locals to vent their ire against the government and local authorities by torching tipper-trucks. The irate locals vandalized and set fire on seven tipper-trucks following the incident. In order to control the enraged protesters, the local administration clamped an indefinite prohibition order around the accident site. However, that did not prevent the locals from expressing their anger as they continued with the protest.
On Monday evening, a seven-point agreement was signed between Sundar Haraincha Municipality, the local political party leaders, police administration and the family members of the deceased. The local administration also lifted the indefinite prohibition order after the agreement.
Tipper entrepreneurs on protest
Tipper entrepreneurs have taken to the streets expressing their disappointment toward the agreement, which bans the movement of tipper-trucks along the Biratnagar-Biratchowk road section. Issuing a press statement on Tuesday, they have warned of hitting the streets by boycotting their work since Wednesday.
The agitating entrepreneurs have demanded compensation for the torched tipper-trucks and stern action against those who set the vehicles on fire.
