A tragic road accident in West Delhi has claimed the life of a 6-year-old girl while she was on her way to school. The incident took place near the Janakpuri Fire Station on the morning of Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The child was traveling in an e-rickshaw with her grandmother when a speeding car collided with their vehicle, causing it to overturn. While the grandmother survived with injuries, the young girl succumbed to her wounds during treatment.
How the Fatal Accident Happened
The collision occurred around 7:40 AM during peak school hours. Police investigations reveal that a Santro car hit the e-rickshaw, leading to the fatal crash. The impact was severe enough to overturn the electric vehicle. Witnesses at the scene reported that the victims did not receive immediate help from bystanders. Eventually, a nurse from a nearby hospital intervened to assist them.
The victims were initially rushed to Mata Chanan Devi Hospital. The 57-year-old grandmother, identified as Mercy Xavier, is currently in stable condition. However, the child was referred to a specialized facility in Dwarka but unfortunately could not be saved. Her mother, who works at a hospital, expressed deep grief over the delay in public assistance.
Police Action Against the Driver
Delhi Police have registered a case at the Janakpuri police station regarding the incident. The charges have been filed under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rash and negligent driving causing death. The offending vehicle has been seized for forensic inspection.
- Accused: Sanjeev, a lab assistant and resident of Majra Dabas.
- Legal Status: He was apprehended on Wednesday and ‘bound down,’ meaning he must appear before the police or court whenever summoned.
- Investigation: CCTV footage from the area is being analyzed to establish the exact sequence of events.
Concerns Over E-Rickshaw Safety in Delhi
This incident has once again highlighted the safety issues surrounding e-rickshaws in the capital. Officials note that there are over 2 lakh registered e-rickshaws in Delhi, but a large number operate illegally without following safety norms. The Delhi Transport Minister recently indicated that new regulations are being drafted to structure this sector better. The police emphasized that passengers in open e-rickshaws remain highly vulnerable, especially on busy roads during morning traffic.
