A fatal road accident occurred when a college student, under the influence of alcohol, lost control of his car and struck a pedestrian, leading to the pedestrian's death on the spot.
The accident occurred around 2 AM on a relatively quiet stretch of road in the city's Jubilee Hills, known for its nightlife. According to witnesses at the scene, the student was driving a luxury sedan at an alarmingly high speed, weaving through the empty lanes with little regard for road safety. Several bystanders reported hearing the car's engine revving aggressively before the sudden, bone-chilling sound of the collision.
The victim, a middle-aged man whose identity has yet to be disclosed, was walking along the side of the road when the car veered out of control and struck him. The impact was so severe that the pedestrian was thrown several metres away, succumbing to his injuries instantly. Despite the efforts of emergency responders who arrived shortly after the incident, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Eyewitnesses also noted that the driver showed clear signs of intoxication. "He was stumbling when he got out of the car, and you could smell the alcohol from a distance," one witness recounted. "It was obvious that he wasn't in a state to be driving."
The Hyderabad Traffic Police, quickly alerted to the incident, arrived within minutes. The driver was apprehended and subjected to a breathalyser test, which confirmed that his blood alcohol content was well above the legal limit. The student, said to be in his early twenties, was immediately taken into custody.
The case has now been registered as culpable homicide not amounting to murder, along with charges of driving under the influence. Legal experts suggest that if convicted, the student could face a substantial prison sentence and a permanent revocation of his driving licence. Given the circumstances of the case, there is also the possibility of the victim's family seeking civil damages.
This incident has sparked a significant public outcry in Hyderabad, where the issue of drunk driving has been a growing concern. In recent years, the city has seen an alarming increase in accidents caused by intoxicated drivers, particularly among the youth. Despite numerous awareness campaigns and strict penalties, drunk driving remains a pervasive problem, leading to loss of life and devastation for families involved.
In response to the incident, Hyderabad's Police Commissioner has issued a stern warning to the public. "This tragic accident is a grim reminder of the consequences of irresponsible behaviour on the road," he said. "We urge all citizens, particularly young drivers, to understand the gravity of drunk driving. It is not just about risking your own life, but also the lives of others."
The police have also announced plans to increase road safety checks, particularly during late-night hours when drunk driving incidents are more frequent. There is also a call for citizens to take a more active role in ensuring road safety by reporting reckless driving to authorities.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing, with the police gathering evidence, including CCTV footage from the area and statements from witnesses. The student's background, including his history of driving behaviour, is also being scrutinised as part of the investigation.
According to edexLive reports, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of yet another preventable tragedy, as discussions on social media and local forums centre around the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and more effective measures to combat drunk driving.