Jalandhar 9 November : A major tragedy was narrowly averted at the bustling Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chowk (popularly known as Nakodar Chowk) when a speeding heavy commercial truck laden with leather suffered a sudden rear tyre blowout, lost control, and crashed directly into the memorial roundabout. The vehicle tore through the perimeter, smashing streetlights and concrete fixtures before grinding to a halt inches away from the revered statue of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
According to eyewitnesses and commuters present at the spot, the truck was travelling at high speed when the rear tyre ruptured with a loud bang. The sudden mechanical failure caused the driver to lose steering control over the heavily loaded freight carrier. The veering truck mounted the raised curb of the roundabout, mowing down the prominent name board, crashing through the boundary wall, and toppling municipal streetlights.
The impact and subsequent screeching of metal sparked immediate panic among nearby shop owners and pedestrians, who rushed to safety fearing the truck might overturn into oncoming traffic. Fortunately, the vehicle stopped just short of making direct contact with the statue pedestal, preventing significant physical impact to the monument as well as potential communal sensitivity.
While no injuries or loss of human life were reported in the collision, substantial damage was caused to public infrastructure. Traffic police and local administration officials reached the scene shortly after the incident to clear the debris, manage diverted vehicular flow along the intersection, and initiate preliminary proceedings regarding the damaged municipal property.
For permission to reuse our original reporting or images, contact The Jalandhar Times.
