In a startling incident that has left the local community in shock, a 5-year-old child from Vasai East in Maharashtra’s Palghar district miraculously survived after being run over by a car. The horrifying moment was captured on CCTV, and the footage has since gone viral on social media, sparking discussions about road safety and the responsibility of drivers.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when the child, identified as Raghav Kumar Chavan, affectionately known as “Chhotu,” was playing near his home in the Waliv locality. As seen in the one-minute-long video, a white cab, seemingly unaware of the child’s presence, took a turn and ran over him. The footage shows the car briefly halting, but instead of stopping to check on the child, the driver fled the scene.
Despite the severity of the incident, Raghav managed to stand up on his own moments after the car passed over him. Other children in the area, who had witnessed the shocking event, immediately ran to help him. In a daze and visibly injured, Raghav walked home on his own, leaving onlookers astounded by his resilience.
Critical Injuries
Though Raghav’s initial reaction gave an impression of miraculous recovery, it became evident that he had sustained significant injuries. His family rushed him to Valvadevi Hospital in Waliv, where he was admitted for emergency treatment. According to hospital sources, Raghav suffered injuries to his hands, head, and chest. Doctors have classified his condition as critical, and he remains under close observation.
Local residents who saw the footage expressed concern over the child’s well-being and anger towards the driver for abandoning the scene. “The driver’s behavior was reckless and inhumane. How can someone just leave after hitting a child?” questioned one of the neighbors.
Police Investigation
The Waliv police have registered a case of hit-and-run and are actively searching for the driver of the cab. Officers are analyzing the CCTV footage to identify the vehicle and track down its owner. “We are using all available resources to locate the absconding driver,” said a police spokesperson.
According to preliminary investigations, the driver was unaware that a child was playing near the turning point. However, the act of fleeing the scene has intensified the charges against him. Under Indian law, failing to assist an injured person after an accident is considered a serious offense, often leading to harsher penalties.
Growing Concern for Child Safety
This incident has raised significant concerns among residents of Vasai about the safety of children playing in residential areas. “Our streets are narrow, and drivers need to be extra cautious. This could have been any of our children,” said another local resident.
Parents in the neighborhood have started advocating for increased safety measures. Suggestions include placing speed breakers, installing more CCTV cameras, and organizing road safety awareness drives.
The Viral Footage
The CCTV video of the incident has been widely circulated on social media, drawing mixed reactions from viewers. While many are hailing the child’s survival as a miracle, others are criticizing the negligence of the driver and the lack of adequate safety measures in residential areas.
“Watching that video gave me chills. It’s a miracle the child stood up after such a horrifying accident. But it’s also a stark reminder that we need better road safety awareness,” commented a user on Twitter.
However, some viewers have cautioned against sharing the video further, citing concerns about the child’s privacy and the emotional toll on the family.
Community Support
As news of the accident spread, local residents and community leaders have come forward to offer support to Raghav’s family. A crowdfunding initiative has been launched to assist with medical expenses, which are expected to be significant given the extent of his injuries.
“This is a tough time for the family, and we want to do whatever we can to help them,” said a volunteer involved in the fundraising effort.
Call for Stricter Regulations
The incident has also reignited calls for stricter enforcement of traffic rules in Vasai and surrounding areas. Activists are urging authorities to implement measures such as speed restrictions in residential zones, stricter penalties for hit-and-run cases, and public campaigns to educate drivers about their responsibilities.
“Accidents like these are preventable if drivers exercise caution and follow the rules. The government needs to ensure that our roads are safe for everyone, especially children,” said a local activist.
A Hopeful Outcome
As of now, Raghav continues to receive medical care, and doctors are hopeful about his recovery. His family remains by his side, praying for his well-being. The community, too, is rallying behind them, hoping that this incident will bring about positive changes in road safety norms.
For now, the focus remains on identifying the driver and ensuring justice for Raghav. The police have appealed to anyone with information about the car or the driver to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Conclusion
This heartbreaking yet miraculous story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the need for collective vigilance. While Raghav’s survival is nothing short of extraordinary, the incident underscores the importance of driver responsibility and community efforts in ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals, especially children, in our neighborhoods.
The community of Vasai is now united in its prayers for Raghav’s recovery and its determination to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
