Seven people, including the groom’s parents, were travelling in the e-rickshaw when the crash happened and while four of them were injured, the groom sadly died
A 19-year-old groom died just hours before his wedding after a horrific accident in which a rickshaw pole reportedly pierced his chest. Ankit Kumar was travelling with family members to his marriage ceremony when their e-rickshaw collided with a tractor-trolley in dense fog.
The tragedy occurred at around 8am on Thursday (December 11) on the Sitapur-Gola road near Vishunpur village in India, around 30 kilometres from the district headquarters in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district. Seven people, including Ankit’s parents, were travelling in the e-rickshaw when the crash happened.
Moreover, four of them were reportedly injured. Ankit and his father were seated in the front when, according to police, the tractor-trolley ahead suddenly braked.
The thick fog meant the e-rickshaw driver was unable to see in time to stop. The vehicle slammed into the back of the tractor-trolley and Ankit was reportedly thrown forward.
The metal footrest of the rickshaw is believed to have pierced the groom’s chest, killing him instantly. Passers-by reportedly rushed to help and alerted police before taking the injured soon-to-be-married man to the district hospital.
Sadly, news of the young groom’s death quickly spread, and the bride, Pooja, arrived at the hospital with her mother, both in tears. Witnesses reportedly said the distraught bride stared silently at Ankit’s body before breaking down repeatedly.
The couple had been due to marry later that day under the Chief Minister’s Mass Marriage Scheme. The ceremony in Angadpur Parsendi was scheduled to begin at 11am.
The Chief Minister’s Mass Marriage Scheme (often known by local names such as “Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana” in Uttar Pradesh, India) is a government initiative designed to provide financial assistance and support for the mass wedding ceremonies of couples from economically weaker sections of society. Ankit had set out for the venue at 7am from his village, Tikar Bahadurpur, with his parents and other companions.
Ankit’s father, Shivkumar, who suffered an injury to his nose, said the family had been filled with excitement for the wedding. He said: “My son and I were sitting in front.
“Suddenly there was a strong collision. Before we could understand anything, the iron angle of the e-rickshaw pierced into Ankit’s chest.
“By the time we could comprehend what happened, he was gone.” The groom’s maternal uncle, Sarvesh, said the family had been looking forward to the celebrations.
Sarvesh shared: “Everyone was going to attend the mass marriage ceremony in Parsendi. The whole family was very happy about Ankit’s wedding.
“That is when the accident happened. The happiness turned into mourning.”
The bride’s mother, Rajeshwari, said: “Today was my daughter’s wedding with Ankit. We found a good match after much searching.
“My daughter is in a terrible state from crying. She keeps crying.”
Additional Superintendent of Police Alok Singh confirmed that the tractor driver fled the scene. He said efforts were underway to identify and locate him using CCTV footage.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters .