Dehradun: A speeding dumper loaded with mining material crushed the cattle of Van Gujjars. Over 40 cattle were hit, killing six of them. The accident occurred this morning in the Vikasnagar area on the Lalupur-Paonta National Highway near Aduwala.
The dumper was coming from Himachal Pradesh.
According to eyewitnesses, a Van Gujjar family was traveling with their cattle from the Kolar region early in the morning.
The cattle were standing on the roadside when the speeding mining dumper lost control and plowed straight into the herd, causing chaos at the scene.
Six cattle died on the spot, several injured
Six cattle died on the spot in the accident. One cow was seriously injured, while more than a dozen cattle suffered minor injuries. The sight of the dead and injured cattle lying on the road created panic among passersby.
People present at the scene helped the injured cattle.
People helped the injured cattle at the scene.
Loss worth lakhs, family was also with him
The victim, Forest Gujjar Hanif, said he was bringing cattle from Kaular in Himachal Pradesh. The cattle were standing on the roadside near Aduwala when a mining dumper hit them.
His family was also present. The condition of four cows is reported to be critical. The loss is estimated to be in lakhs of rupees.
Dumper Drivers Absconded, Tension at the Scene
Following the accident, two dumper drivers fled the scene with their vehicles. However, angry Forest Gujjars and villagers surrounded and stopped two other dumpers.
Eyewitnesses allege that some dumper drivers began threatening the Forest Gujjars, leading to a tense situation.
Locals allege: Speeding is becoming fatal
Local public representative Vipin Chauhan said that the Gujjar brothers were bringing their buffaloes from the Aduwala area. Mining trucks travel at very high speeds on this route. In the morning, the dumper crushed several buffaloes.
Five buffaloes died on the spot, and several others were injured. The administration should take strict action.
Police investigating, compensation demanded
Following the incident, police arrived at the scene and began an investigation. The absconding dumper drivers are being searched for.
The affected Van Gujjars have demanded strict legal action against the accused and compensation.