The shocking death of a Delhi couple on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about road safety, emergency response, and the effectiveness of highway patrols. Forty-two-year-old Lacchi Ram and his wife, thirty-eight-year-old Kusum Lata, lost their lives after being trapped inside their Wagon-R for nearly eight hours following two successive collisions. Their family has accused authorities of apathy, stating that police patrols and rescue systems exist “only on paper.”
The Incident
According to reports, the couple’s car was first struck by a multi-axle dumper truck that pushed their vehicle to the side of the expressway. Just 22 minutes later, a speeding Maruti Ertiga rammed into the already damaged car. In both cases, the drivers fled without stopping to check on the victims. The impact left the Wagon-R mangled, with its doors jammed shut, trapping the couple inside.
For the next eight hours, the car remained on the roadside as hundreds of vehicles passed by. Despite visible damage and the couple bleeding inside, no one stopped to help. Shockingly, police were alerted only much later, and by the time rescue teams arrived, both victims had succumbed to their injuries.
Family’s Anguish
The family of the deceased has strongly criticized the authorities, questioning how a mangled car with two trapped individuals could go unnoticed for so long. They allege that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and police patrols failed in their duty. “Patrols exist only on paper. If there were real patrols, my brother and sister-in-law would not have died waiting for help,” a relative said.
The family also highlighted the lack of public responsibility, pointing out that not a single passerby stopped to assist. This indifference, combined with delayed official response, turned what could have been a survivable accident into a fatal tragedy.
Larger Questions on Safety
This incident has reignited debate about the safety of India’s expressways. While authorities claim regular patrolling and quick response systems, the reality on the ground appears different. The tragedy underscores:
- Poor enforcement of patrolling norms despite official claims.
- Lack of public awareness and empathy, with bystanders failing to intervene.
- Inadequate emergency response infrastructure, leaving victims vulnerable for hours.
Experts argue that India’s growing network of expressways must be matched with robust safety mechanisms, including real-time surveillance, quick-response rescue teams, and stricter accountability for patrol units.
The deaths of Lacchi Ram and Kusum Lata are not just a personal tragedy but a stark reminder of systemic failures in road safety and emergency response. Their family’s anguished statement - “patrol only on paper” - captures the frustration of many who feel that promises of safety remain unfulfilled. Unless authorities take urgent steps to ensure genuine patrolling and faster rescue operations, such tragedies may continue to haunt India’s highways.
