Overhead Metal Signage On Highway Falls On Kia Sonet: Lucky Escape For Passengers
In the last couple of days, we have come across several reports of heavy dust storms in the Delhi NCR region. The wind speeds were over 70 kmph in many areas. Several places in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana reported damage due to heavy storms. We have a video here from Dwarka Expressway where an overhead metal signage board on the highway fell on a moving Kia Sonet.
The video has been shared by Indian Motorheads on his Instagram page. The visibility on the road is very poor due to the heavy winds. The person recording the video is seen running to the other side of the road. The visibility is so low that you can’t even see what is on the other side. The accident happened at around 7 pm.
An overhead metal signage on the highway couldn’t withstand the heavy winds and fell onto the road. Unfortunately, a Kia Sonet that was passing through the stretch was caught under it. The heavy metal signage board fell on the car and completely crushed it.
Luckily, two individuals who were present in the car escaped the accident unhurt. As the person recording the video gets closer to the car, it looked like the metal part of the signage had fallen on the rear side of the car. The roof and rear cabin of the car are completely crushed under the pipe.
Once people spotted the Kia Sonet, they started rushing towards the car to check on the individuals. In fact, as you get closer, you realise the driver's cabin of the car is also severely damaged. The metal signage is resting on the Sonet.
The Sonet is completely damaged, and we feel the occupants were extremely lucky to have escaped the crash with minor injuries. With help from the locals and people who gathered around after the crash, both of them managed to get out. The vehicle is completely crushed and we feel it would be a total loss.
Driving in a Dust Storm
We feel Delhi NCR has not faced such heavy winds and dust storms in recent times. As this is not a usual occurrence in the region, people often get confused and panic as they don’t know what to do.
Driving in a dust storm can be extremely dangerous, and if possible, one should avoid it completely. If you are already on the road when you encounter a dust storm, safety should be your utmost priority.
Try to park your vehicle on the shoulder of the road and turn on the hazard lamps. This way, you can alert other road users about your vehicle’s location. Also, ensure that you have not parked the vehicle near a tree, electric pole, or transformer, as there are chances that it might fall due to heavy winds.
In case you are on a road where you can’t stop, reducing your speed below the speed limit would also help. This way, you can increase your reaction time in case you spot an obstacle in front.
If you spot other vehicles on the road, maintain a safe distance. Drive with headlamps or fog lamps on, as this may give other road users an idea about your vehicle's location. Best of all is to pull over and wait till the storm passes.