Dehradun: Uttarakhand’s scenic beauty is drawing massive crowds, but the surge in tourists has turned into a logistical nightmare, with crippling traffic jams claiming a second life in just four days.
The latest tragedy unfolded in Nainital district, where a businessman succumbed inside an ambulance, unable to receive timely medical assistance due to hours-long gridlock near Kainchi Dham.
Ambulance breakdown and traffic delays prove fatal
The victim, 40-year-old Jagmohan Singh Pinari, a shopkeeper from Dhaniyakot, fell critically ill on Sunday evening, experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting blood. His family immediately dialed 108, hoping for swift medical intervention. However, their desperate attempt to reach a hospital turned tragic when the first ambulance broke down en route. Despite their quick decision to switch to another emergency vehicle, the second ambulance became trapped in a massive traffic jam, delaying their journey by five crucial hours.
Jagmohan’s son, Labhanshu Pinari, recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating, “The ambulance left for Haldwani at 4:30 PM, but it only reached at 9:30 PM, where doctors declared my father dead. Due to the prolonged traffic jam and the initial ambulance failure, my father **did not receive timely treatment and tragically died.”
Authorities launch investigation
Taking serious note of the incident, Nainital District Magistrate Vandana Singh has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the ambulance dispatch system. She stated, “An investigation is underway to determine why an old ambulance was sent when a fully functional new one was available, along with examining the overall response time.” This heartbreaking incident follows closely on the heels of another fatality in Mussoorie, where a tourist from Delhi died after failing to receive timely medical attention due to prolonged vehicular queues.
Traffic chaos worsens ahead of Kainchi Dham fair
The situation is compounded by a manifold increase in the number of devotees visiting Kainchi Dham, turning traffic management into a formidable challenge. With the Kainchi Dham fair scheduled for June 15, authorities fear that congestion will worsen, potentially leading to more medical emergencies.
Urgent calls for traffic management reforms
Residents and business owners have repeatedly flagged concerns over poor traffic regulation, urging authorities to implement stricter controls and improve infrastructure to handle peak-season surges. With tourist numbers continuing to rise, Uttarakhand’s administration faces mounting pressure to prevent further tragedies and ensure safer travel conditions for both visitors and locals.
