Bettiah: An 18-year-old youth died after falling into a canal when his motorcycle was allegedly hit by a tractor near the narrow Motipur bridge in Ramnagar block of West Champaran on Wednesday morning. Another rider sustained injuries in the incident.The accident triggered protests with angry villagers placing the body on the road and blocking traffic for several hours. They demanded immediate construction of a wider bridge, alleging that the existing structure is narrow and dilapidated, making overtaking impossible and causing frequent accidents. The blockade was lifted after persuasion by the administration.The victim was identified as Abhishek Kumar, a resident of Dhoomnagar in Bettiah. The injured youth said the victim was his nephew and that they were returning home after distributing wedding invitation cards for Abhishek’s sister, whose marriage is scheduled for Feb 25. They had visited Bansgaon Parsouni under Bhairoganj police station and were on their way back when the accident occurred.“Near Motipur bridge, a tractor rammed into our motorcycle. Both of us fell into the canal. I somehow managed to swim out, but Abhishek drowned,” he said. The body was recovered nearly three hours later with the help of locals.Sujal Singh, deputy chairperson of Ramnagar Nagar Parishad, said at least 10 to 12 people have lost their lives at the narrow bridges near Phulwaria and Motipur villages in the past two years.Ramnagar circle officer Ved Prakash said, “Today, we have forwarded the latest details of the incident and the villagers’ demands to the authorities for further necessary action.”
