A tragic hit-and-run road accident on Thursday (November 27) in Lalpani under Jirighat Police Station along the Silchar–Imphal National Highway claimed the lives of two schoolchildren. The incident claimed the lives of two young schoolchildren after a speeding oil tanker crashed into their scooter.
According to reports, the tanker allegedly hit the scooter from behind, killing both children instantly. The deceased were identified as 4-year-old Sanatamba, a KG-1 student, and 3-year-old Abdul Samad, a Nursery student—both enrolled at Sunrise English School, Lalpani.
According to sources, the children were returning home after school on a scooter ridden by Samad’s mother when the tanker crashed into them. The impact was so severe that both minors died on the spot. The tanker driver fled immediately after the accident.
Shocked and enraged, locals blocked the highway shortly after the incident, demanding strict action and improved traffic regulation along the route. Police reached the scene to control the situation as protesters placed the bodies of the children on the road, insisting on justice and severe punishment for the absconding driver. Several vehicles were reportedly vandalised by angry residents.
The tragedy has intensified concerns over repeated accidents in the district. This heartbreaking incident has intensified public anger over frequent road accidents in the region. On November 25, five students were injured in Sribhumi’s Suprakandi area after a tripper truck hit them from behind, with one later dying in hospital. Earlier, on November 13, a Cachar College student lost her life in Masimpur, Borkhola, when a tanker ran over her while she was riding pillion with her father.
The repeated loss of young lives has triggered urgent demands for stricter enforcement and better regulation of heavy vehicles in Cachar. Authorities are yet to issue an official response.