Malfunctioning traffic light not repaired despite complaints

The traffic signal at the Dwarka Sector-14 and 16 intersection has not been functioning for the past two weeks. Despite several complaints by local residents, the authorities had not fixed the signal. The lapse proved fatal on Wednesday morning, when a speeding truck crashed into a CRPF staff bus, killing three women personnel and injuring 18 others.

Over the past few days, at least 3-4 accidents were reported from the intersection, residents said. Hours after the accident, when this correspondent visited the spot, the problem was yet to be rectified; the red and the green lights kept blinking. Residents alleged that in the past two weeks, numerous complaints had been made to the police control room about the faulty signal.

On Monday evening, an FIR was also registered at the Dwarka North police station after a businessman from Uttam Nagar was hit by a speeding Xylo, just metres from the spot where Wednesday’s accident took place. The businessman, Pulkit Garg, reportedly sustained numerous injuries and had to take stitches on his face. Garg told Newsline that the signal was not working even at the time the Xylo hit him.

An ice-cream vendor near the intersection said, “I have witnessed at least four accidents in the past two weeks. We called the police control room and informed them about the faulty signal but no action has been taken till date. Since the green light is permanently on, all vehicles cross the intersection at a high speed.”