A horrifying accident took place on the Jamui-Sikandra main road in Bihar on Friday morning when a moving e-rickshaw caught fire following a sudden battery explosion. The incident occurred around 9:30 AM near Dr. Neeraj Sah's clinic. Two intermediate students traveling in the vehicle sustained severe burn injuries as flames quickly engulfed the commercial three-wheeler, while the driver fled the scene immediately after the explosion.
Students Warned Driver of Smoke, Warning Ignored
The passengers were returning toward their homes in Bhagwana village after attending coaching classes in Jamui. More than half a dozen commuters, including three female students, were traveling together in the e-rickshaw. According to accounts from passengers, wisps of smoke began rising from beneath the carriage shortly after the vehicle crossed the Mahisouri Chowk intersection.
Noticing the developing danger, the students repeatedly alerted the e-rickshaw driver and urged him to pull over immediately. However, the driver, who had earphones plugged into his ears, disregarded the urgent shouts and continued driving onward without slowing down. By the time the vehicle reached the stretch near Dr. Neeraj Sah's clinic, the compromised battery exploded with sudden force, instantly trapping passengers inside an expanding fireball.
Chaos at the Spot and Rescue Efforts
The sudden blast and intense flames triggered panic among commuters and shopkeepers along the busy roadway, causing a momentary stampede-like situation. Local residents quickly rushed toward the burning vehicle to pull the trapped girls to safety and attempt to extinguish the fire. Given the ferocity of the blaze, local efforts could not completely put out the fire until fire brigade tenders arrived on the scene to bring it under control. Taking advantage of the turmoil and panic, the driver escaped on foot and has not yet been identified.
Victims Identified and Hospitalized
The injured students have been identified as residents of Bhagwana village within the Sadar block area. One victim is 20-year-old Neha Kumari, daughter of Manohar Mahto, while the other is Anjani Kumari, daughter of Manohar Yadav.
Following the rescue, bystanders took Anjani Kumari to the nearby private clinic of Dr. Neeraj Sah, where she is undergoing medical care and remains in stable condition. Neha Kumari, who sustained more critical burns, was immediately rushed to the Sadar Hospital. Assessing her critical condition after administering preliminary emergency care, attending doctors referred her to Patna for advanced medical treatment. Police personnel arrived at the location shortly after receiving notification of the blast, gathered statements from victims and witnesses, and initiated a formal investigation into the matter.
Past Hazards Involving Commercial Battery Explosions
Catastrophic battery failures in electric three-wheelers have caused casualties before. A few months ago, in Delhi's Raghubir Nagar, two people were killed after an e-rickshaw battery exploded inside a warehouse, triggering a fatal blaze. The latest disaster in Jamui once again brings urgent attention to battery maintenance standards, commercial safety protocols, and reckless behavior among commercial vehicle operators on public roads.
