A six-year-old schoolgirl, Preshelle Prince, lost her life after a speeding Santro car rammed into the e-rickshaw she was travelling in with her grandmother near the Janakpuri Fire Station in Janakpuri, West Delhi, at around 7.40 am on February 17.
The impact overturned the vehicle, throwing Preshelle and her 57-year-old grandmother, Mercy Xavier, onto the road and leaving them critically injured. The child later succumbed to her injuries at a hospital in Dwarka. Police have arrested the driver, identified as Sanjeev Dabas, and registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash and negligent driving.
Officials say CCTV footage is being analysed and further legal proceedings are underway. The tragedy comes barely two weeks after another fatal crash in the capital, intensifying concerns over reckless driving and road safety in residential and school zones.
A Morning Journey Cut Short
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Darade Sharad Bhaskar, the accident occurred during peak school hours when the e-rickshaw carrying Preshelle and her grandmother was hit from behind by a speeding car near Block C.
The force of the collision caused the three-wheeler to overturn, ejecting both passengers onto the road. They were initially rushed to Mata Chanan Devi Hospital before Preshelle was referred to Max Hospital for specialised treatment, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Her grandmother remains under medical care and is reported to be traumatised by the incident.
Police officials confirmed that the vehicle involved has been seized and the driver apprehended. A case has been registered under sections pertaining to causing death by negligence and rash driving. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from nearby establishments and recording statements from eyewitnesses to ascertain the exact sequence of events.
Residents of the area have alleged that overspeeding is common along the stretch, despite it being close to residential blocks, schools and a fire station. The child’s family, devastated by the loss, described Preshelle as a bright and cheerful student who was excited about attending school that morning. In interactions reported by Hindustan Times and The Statesman, family members recalled the horror of receiving the news and their desperate attempts to save her.
Pattern of Negligence and Public Outrage
The incident has reignited debate about road safety enforcement in the capital, especially in neighbourhoods where children and elderly pedestrians are frequent road users. Barely fourteen days earlier, a 23-year-old biker was killed in Dwarka after being struck by a speeding SUV, drawing widespread criticism of lax enforcement against traffic violations. The back-to-back tragedies have left residents questioning whether enough is being done to deter reckless driving.
Local community members say that despite speed limit signboards and periodic traffic checks, drivers often ignore rules with impunity. E-rickshaws, widely used for short commutes and school drops, are particularly vulnerable due to their light structure and limited protection for passengers.
Road safety advocates argue that infrastructural measures such as speed calming devices, stricter surveillance, designated school safety zones and consistent penalties for violators are urgently required. They also stress the importance of civic awareness, urging motorists to exercise greater caution, especially during early morning hours when schoolchildren are on the move.
Officials have reiterated that strict action will be taken in accordance with the law. The arrest of the accused driver has offered some measure of reassurance, but for many residents, enforcement after a life has been lost feels insufficient. The tragedy has once again highlighted the fragility of road safety systems and the devastating consequences of a single moment of negligence.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The death of a six-year-old on her way to school is not merely another statistic in the city’s accident records; it is a profound human loss that underscores the urgent need for accountability and empathy on our roads. While laws and enforcement are critical, road safety ultimately begins with individual responsibility. A few extra seconds of caution can mean the difference between life and irreversible grief.
At the same time, systemic change cannot be ignored. Authorities must prioritise safer road design near schools and residential areas, ensure visible traffic policing, and implement sustained awareness campaigns that cultivate respect for life over haste. Equally important is the role of bystanders and communities in responding compassionately during emergencies. Timely assistance can save lives, and fostering a culture of care is as vital as enforcing compliance.
