Govt doc, wife killed as car hits parked truck in Vaishali

Tragic Collision Claims Lives of Dedicated Doctor Couple

In the early hours of Saturday morning, a heartbreaking road accident in Vaishali district, Bihar, claimed the lives of a government doctor and his wife. The incident unfolded around 4:15 a.m. near the toll plaza under Sarai police station on the Muzaffarpur-Patna highway. Dense fog reduced visibility to almost zero, leading their car to ram into a stationary truck parked on the roadside. The couple, who were returning home to Patna after visiting a relative in Araria, did not survive the impact. Their driver sustained serious injuries, while their pet dog miraculously escaped unharmed. Local police responded swiftly, rushing the victims to Hajipur Sadar Hospital, where the doctor and his wife were declared dead on arrival. This devastating event has sent shockwaves through the medical community and the local area, highlighting the perils of winter fog on highways.

The victims were identified as Dr. Jitendra Prasad, aged around 56, and his wife Jyotishina Prasad, approximately 50. Dr. Jitendra served at Araria Sadar Hospital, where he had built a reputation for excellence in maternal and newborn health services. He had been with the hospital for over 15 years and even served as in-charge superintendent on two occasions. The state health department had honored him on January 16 of the previous year for his outstanding contributions. His wife, also involved in healthcare, shared his dedication to public service. The couple resided in Patna and were on their way back after visiting Jyotishina's ailing mother, who was hospitalized. They left behind two sons: the elder, Aditya, is a government doctor, and the younger, Abhinav, is preparing for medical entrance exams. Dr. Jitendra was the third of four brothers, and his sudden loss leaves a profound void in his family.

Foggy Conditions and Fleeing Driver Add to the Mystery

Thick fog was the primary culprit behind this fatal mishap, a common hazard during Bihar's winter months that often turns highways into death traps. The truck, reportedly a container vehicle parked on the left side of the road, bore the brunt of the collision. Eyewitnesses noted that the truck driver fled the scene immediately after the crash, prompting police to launch a manhunt. Sarai Station House Officer Mani Bhushan Kumar confirmed the details, stating that his team arrived promptly after receiving reports and extricated the trapped individuals from the mangled car. The damaged vehicle was later towed to the police station for further investigation. The injured driver, Sanjay, son of Araria resident Rajendra Yadav, is receiving treatment and is out of immediate danger. Police are piecing together the sequence of events, including why the truck was parked there and whether any violations occurred. This accident underscores the urgent need for better road safety measures in fog-prone areas.

"The accident occurred around 4.15am on the Muzaffarpur-Patna route due to dense fog, when the car collided with a truck. After the collision, the truck driver fled from the scene. We rescued the victims and took them to the hospital, where the couple was declared dead," said Sarai SHO Mani Bhushan Kumar.

A Life of Service Cut Short and Calls for Safer Roads

Dr. Jitendra Prasad's career was marked by significant achievements, particularly in improving maternal and neonatal care in Araria district. Together with his wife, they had recently been recognized by Bihar's Health Department for conducting 334 successful C-section operations between January and August 2025. Health Minister Mangal Pandey had praised their work as a shining example of dedication. Such accomplishments make their untimely death even more poignant, robbing the community of two committed professionals. Friends and colleagues have expressed grief over the loss, remembering the couple's warmth and tireless efforts. The surviving pet dog, a family member in its own right, was handed over safely, providing a small silver lining amid the tragedy. As investigations continue, questions linger about road regulations for parked vehicles and enforcement during adverse weather.

This incident is part of a troubling pattern of road accidents in Bihar, where fog, poor lighting, and high traffic volumes claim numerous lives each winter. Authorities have been urged to install fog lights, warning signs, and speed cameras along key stretches. Families of victims often call for stricter penalties for drivers who abandon accident sites. While police assure a thorough probe, the focus now shifts to supporting the bereaved family. Dr. Prasad's elder son, himself a doctor, steps into an even larger role, carrying forward his father's legacy. The community mourns, but their story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of inadequate road safety infrastructure. In conclusion, the loss of Dr. Jitendra and Jyotishina Prasad not only devastates their family but also deprives Bihar's healthcare system of valuable contributors, amid ongoing challenges with foggy highways and elusive drivers.