New Delhi: A tragic accident in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj on Sunday has left one person dead and two others injured, with the police revealing chilling details from the FIR that have sparked outrage over reckless driving. The incident involved a speeding Mercedes car that hit three individuals near a roadside pole opposite Ambience Mall, dragging them for a considerable distance before crashing into an iron pole and overturning.

The deceased has been identified as 23-year-old Rohit Singh, a native of Chamoli in Uttarakhand. Two of his friends, aged 23 and 35, who were also struck by the vehicle, sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at a local hospital in Delhi. The three worked at a restaurant inside Ambience Mall and were reportedly waiting at a bus stop near the mall after completing their shift, intending to return to their rented accommodation in Munirka.

The driver of the vehicle, 29-year-old Shivam, an engineer employed at a software company in Noida, was arrested following the incident. According to reports, Shivam had borrowed the car from a friend, Abhishek, to attend his own wedding reception. Accompanying him in the car at the time were his wife and elder brother. Fortunately, the occupants of the Mercedes sustained only minor injuries in the crash.

FIR Details: Rash and Reckless Driving

The FIR registered in connection with the accident paints a grim picture of the circumstances leading to the tragedy. It reveals that the Mercedes, a black G63 registered in the name of Shivam’s friend, was being driven in a rash and zigzag manner. The vehicle, while speeding, first collided with a road divider and then swerved sharply toward the bus stop where the three victims were standing. The impact of the collision was severe, causing the victims to be dragged along the road before the car ultimately crashed into an iron pole on the left side of the carriageway and overturned.

According to statements recorded by the police, one of the injured, Lalit, described the horrifying sequence of events. He said that as the black Mercedes approached at high speed, they tried to flee toward the footpath. “We saw the car coming at us very fast, and we tried to run, but the impact was so severe that it dragged us along the road as it continued forward,” Lalit stated.

The FIR also notes that the driver’s reckless maneuvering directly contributed to the severity of the incident. By driving in a zigzag pattern, Shivam not only lost control of the vehicle but also increased the risk to pedestrians in the area. Eyewitness accounts describe the vehicle moving erratically even before hitting the victims, emphasizing the reckless nature of the driving.

Investigation and Legal Action

Following the crash, the police arrested Shivam under relevant provisions concerning rash and negligent driving leading to death. Initial tests conducted using a breathalyzer did not indicate the presence of alcohol in Shivam’s system. A senior police official told PTI that medical examinations have also been carried out to rule out alcohol consumption at the time of the accident.

Authorities are now examining all angles, including whether speeding and reckless handling were the primary causes or if there were other contributing factors. The FIR forms the basis for prosecution under the Indian Penal Code sections dealing with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash or negligent driving, and causing death or grievous injury by negligent acts.

The Victims and Aftermath

The victims, young men from Uttarakhand and Delhi, were working late shifts at a restaurant in Ambience Mall and had merely stepped out to catch transport to return home. The sudden and violent nature of the accident has left the local community and fellow workers shaken. Colleagues described Rohit Singh as a diligent worker and a young man with dreams for his future, making the tragedy all the more poignant.

The accident has also raised questions about road safety and pedestrian protection in high-traffic areas like Vasant Kunj. The bus stop where the victims were standing is located near a busy stretch of road with multiple commercial establishments, where both vehicular and pedestrian traffic is high. Urban planners and road safety experts have pointed out that incidents like this underscore the need for stricter traffic monitoring, better pedestrian infrastructure, and enhanced awareness about responsible driving.

Reckless Driving in India: A Broader Concern

This incident is not isolated but part of a larger pattern of road accidents in India caused by reckless or negligent driving. According to official statistics, a significant proportion of road fatalities each year are attributable to overspeeding, erratic driving, and failure to adhere to traffic rules. Experts have repeatedly emphasized that preventive measures, including stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improved vehicle safety features, and public awareness campaigns, are critical to reducing such tragedies.

Legal analysts note that while drunk driving often dominates discussions around road safety, accidents caused by drivers under the influence of emotions or reckless behavior without alcohol are increasingly common. In Shivam’s case, the initial tests indicate that alcohol was not a factor, highlighting the dangers posed by overconfidence, lack of attention, and aggressive driving practices, even among responsible and educated citizens.

Community Response and Calls for Action

The Vasant Kunj community has reacted with shock and grief following the incident. Residents, commuters, and shopkeepers at Ambience Mall expressed concern about the safety of pedestrians in the area. Social media posts have circulated urging authorities to enhance traffic surveillance and introduce stricter penalties for negligent driving.

Victim advocacy groups have also highlighted the importance of timely compensation and legal support for the families affected by road accidents. They stress that while arrests and legal proceedings are essential, preventive measures such as traffic-calming infrastructure, speed monitoring, and public education campaigns are equally crucial to reduce fatalities and injuries on urban roads.

Next Steps in the Investigation

Police officials are conducting a detailed inquiry into the sequence of events, including examining CCTV footage from the area and statements from eyewitnesses. Investigators are also looking into the condition of the vehicle, its speed, and any mechanical factors that may have contributed to the crash. Legal proceedings will determine the culpability of Shivam and whether charges beyond rash and negligent driving are warranted.

Authorities have urged anyone with additional information or video evidence related to the accident to come forward. Meanwhile, the families of the victims are awaiting updates on compensation and legal recourse, as per provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act and other relevant laws.

Conclusion

The Mercedes crash in Vasant Kunj serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless driving in densely populated urban areas. The tragic death of Rohit Singh and injuries sustained by his friends underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, better pedestrian infrastructure, and heightened public awareness regarding road safety.

As the investigation unfolds, the FIR provides crucial insights into how negligent driving, even without alcohol or other impairing factors, can result in catastrophic outcomes. Beyond the immediate legal proceedings, the incident highlights broader systemic issues in urban traffic management, road safety protocols, and civic responsibility, pressing policymakers and authorities to act decisively to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The case also reinforces the vital role of bystander vigilance and timely reporting. Eyewitnesses played a critical part in informing authorities and helping police piece together the sequence of events, illustrating how community engagement can complement law enforcement efforts in promoting road safety.

With the driver in custody and the investigation underway, the legal system now faces the challenge of ensuring justice for the victims while simultaneously prompting a broader conversation about safer roads in India’s urban centers.