Samajwadi Party leader killed in UP’s Pratapgarh after 400-kg streetlight pole falls on car

In a tragic incident in Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, a 47-year-old Samajwadi Party (SP) leader was killed on Sunday when a 30-foot-tall, 400-kg streetlight pole collapsed onto his moving vehicle, according to law enforcement officials.

The tragedy occurred in the Babuganj area, within the jurisdiction of the Antu police station, while a hydraulic crane was being used to erect a pole at a local petrol station.

Authorities identified the victim as Lal Bahadur Yadav, a liquor businessman, who was travelling for work when the massive structure being installed near the petrol pump crashed onto his car. Video footage of the fatal accident has since emerged and is being shared extensively across social media.

In the wake of the fatal incident, the victim's uncle, Shankar Lal Yadav, has pointed to professional negligence as the cause. Lal Bahadur, a two-time panchayat election candidate, leaves behind a wife and five children, including four daughters.

“It was sheer carelessness on the part of those responsible for installing the high-mast light that cost my nephew his life. They should have prohibited the movement of people and vehicles in the area until the installation work was completed. As a result of this negligence, the road became unsafe. We will get a case registered against those responsible for his death,” said Shankar Lal.

Additional Superintendent of Police (East) Shailendra Lal said that a strap on the hydraulic machine snapped during the installation process, sending the heavy column onto the passing car. The impact trapped the driver between his seat and the steering wheel, resulting in catastrophic injuries.

While locals managed to force the car door open and transport him to a nearby medical facility, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The police have since moved the body for a forensic autopsy.

Following a formal complaint by the deceased's brother, Vijay Yadav, a case has been filed under applicable statutes against the unidentified owner and employees of the petrol pump. An active investigation into the lapse is currently proceeding.

Abdul Qadir Jilani, the Samajwadi Party’s district general secretary in Pratapgarh, noted that while Lal Bahadur Yadav held no official title within the party, he was a dedicated and active member.

Jilani also stated that party leadership has met with the grieving family to offer condolences and support.