Daijiworld Media Network - Pratapgarh

Pratapgarh, Feb 15: A tragic accident claimed the life of a local Samajwadi Party leader on Sunday when a high mast light pole being installed near a petrol pump collapsed onto his moving car in Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh district. The incident, which occurred in a busy market area, was captured on CCTV.

The deceased, 48-year-old Lal Bahadur Yadav, was travelling from Babuganj towards Pratapgarh city in his Hyundai Creta for personal work when the accident occurred, just 500 metres from his residence.

According to reports, a 65-foot-high high mast pole of Bharat Petroleum, weighing approximately 40 quintals, was being installed with a crane in front of the petrol pump. During the installation, the crane’s strap reportedly snapped, causing the massive pole to collapse directly onto Yadav’s vehicle.

Police have recorded the incident and launched an inquiry to examine safety protocols and possible negligence during the installation.

Yadav, a PWD contractor by profession, also held a country liquor contract. He had previously contested the Antu Nagar Panchayat elections twice but was unsuccessful.

He is survived by four daughters and a son, and was the eldest among three brothers and a sister. Family members expressed shock over the sudden loss.