Disaster Response Team’s Delay Leads to Driver’s Death

ndependent Correspondent | 5 August 2025:

In yet another heart-wrenching incident that exposes the cracks in our emergency preparedness system, a vehicle driver lost his life after being trapped inside his damaged vehicle — allegedly due to the sluggish and poorly coordinated response of the disaster management team.

The accident occurred yesterday in the Gomati district, where a vehicle overturned, trapping the driver inside. According to eyewitnesses, the driver was still alive and struggling, hoping to be rescued. Locals gathered at the spot immediately and called the authorities.

However, despite repeated calls and alerts, the disaster response team took an unusually long time to arrive. And even after reaching the scene, their apparent lack of equipment and urgency shocked many onlookers.

“It was painful to watch. The driver was alive and crying for help. If only the rescue team had acted faster, his life could have been saved,” said one local resident.

Ironically, the same authorities regularly conduct mock drills and training workshops, spending lakhs — if not crores — from government funds. But the ground reality paints a different picture.

“If the team can’t even rescue a person from a minor vehicle entrapment, what will happen during a real large-scale disaster?” questioned another eyewitness.

Eventually, the driver was brought out — but it was too late. He had succumbed inside the vehicle, his cries unheard by a system that claims to be disaster-ready.

This tragic loss raises serious questions about accountability, preparedness, and the real impact of so-called disaster training programs. The public demands answers — and, more importantly, change.