A 54-year-old inebriated driver caused chaos and left several individuals injured in a case of reckless driving involving a Maruti 800 car. The incident occurred in Mokokchung town on the road stretch from Town Hall to the Town Square, around 3:00 PM, Tuesday.
The car driver, who was under the influence of alcohol, first hit a two-wheeler taxi, injuring the 29-year-old two-wheeler taxi driver and a 33-year-old female passenger who was riding pillion. The car then reportedly struck a stationary scooter and another vehicle before hitting a female pedestrian, causing serious injuries to her. The chaotic series of events concluded with the car rolling over and turning turtle near SBI ATM at Imlong Place.
According to police sources, the car was traveling at a high speed during the incident. Witnesses reported that the inebriated driver was also driving on the wrong side of the road, further indicating reckless behavior. The driver, a native of Longkong village, claimed mechanical brake failure as the cause of the collision. However, traffic police officials stated that this can only be confirmed once the mechanical report is completed. Meanwhile, authorities suspect that the incident was primarily a result of reckless driving.
The female pedestrian, hailing from Mopungchuket village, sustained major injuries including injuries to her head. She was promptly rushed to a local hospital for immediate medical attention. However, due to the severity of her injuries, doctors at the local hospital recommended her transfer to a hospital in Dimapur. Sources close to her family expressed concern over her condition and hoped for a safe transfer and subsequent treatment.
Traffic police officials confirmed that tests conducted on the driver established that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The driver, now in police custody, faces charges related to drunk driving and causing injuries to others due to negligent driving. He was also reportedly in possession of contraband liquor.
The police source said that had he not hit the RCC post of the building by the road, many people could have been injured including causing loss of lives.
