Hazaribag: A trailer driver was killed and his co-driver critically injured after their coal-laden vehicle rammed into a stationary truck near Murwe Stadium on the Simaria-Tandwa main road in Chatra district early Monday.The deceased was identified as Dhiranjan Sao, 28, a resident of Sikri village in Hazaribag district.Police said the stationary vehicle had broken down and was parked on the roadside when the trailer crashed into it. The impact crushed the trailer’s front portion and cabin, trapping Sao inside.Simaria police and locals launched a rescue operation. A gas cutter was used to open the mangled cabin, but the operation was delayed after gas supply ran out. Sao was eventually pulled out dead. Personnel from a 108 ambulance also assisted in the rescue.The injured co-driver was given first aid at the spot before being referred to Hazaribag for further treatment.Residents said faulty vehicles are often left on the roadside at night without indicators, reflectors or warning signs. The Simaria-Tandwa road witnesses heavy movement of coal-laden vehicles every day, prompting locals to demand stricter safety measures.Sao’s family members and villagers later reached the spot and demanded compensation of Rs 20 lakh. They did not block the road but kept the body by the roadside.Simaria police station officer in-charge Amit Kumar Gupta and circle officer Gaurav Kumar held talks with the protesters. Gupta said the issue was resolved, the road was cleared and the body was handed over to the family after completion of formalities. Police said a probe was under way.
