Four of same family killed in Surat expressway crash into dumper

Indian Opinion Analysis

Both accidents highlight a recurring failure in enforcing highway breakdown protocols. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, a driver whose vehicle stops on a carriageway must move it to the side and place warning triangles at prescribed distances. On the Surat expressway, the dumper's failure to do either proved fatal. The Gujarat High Court has in the past ordered stricter compliance with these rules after similar crashes. The next step will be the police investigation report, which should determine whether the dumper driver faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Separately, the bus fire in Greater Noida raises questions about whether the operator carried a mandatory fire extinguisher and whether passengers were trapped because emergency exits were blocked, the transport department's inspection report will be the key document to watch.