Caught On Cam: Samajwadi Party Leader Dies After 40-Quintal High-Mast Pole Collapses On His Car

Last Updated:February 16, 2026, 10:36 IST

Samajwadi Party leader Lal Bahadur Yadav died when a petrol pump's high-mast pole collapsed onto his car. Locals blame negligent installation during busy hours.

A 48-year-old local Samajwadi Party leader was killed after a high mast light pole being installed near a petrol pump collapsed onto his car in Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. The incident took place in the busy Babuganj market area and was captured on CCTV.

The deceased, identified as Lal Bahadur Yadav, was travelling from Babuganj to Pratapgarh city in his Hyundai Creta for personal work when the accident happened. He was just 500 metres from his home when the tragedy struck.

The 65-foot-high pole of Bharat Petroleum, reportedly weighing around 40 quintals, was being erected with a crane in front of the petrol pump when the crane strap snapped, causing the structure to fall directly onto Yadav’s vehicle.

Police Probe Negligence Angle

Local residents rushed to the scene, broke open the car doors, and attempted to rescue him. He was taken to a nearby community health centre, where doctors declared him dead. Police have taken the matter seriously and are investigating the circumstances, including potential negligence during the installation.

Yadav, a PWD contractor and country liquor license holder, had twice contested the Antu Nagar Panchayat elections. He is survived by four daughters and a son, and was the eldest of three brothers and a sister.

Eyewitnesses and family members have raised concerns about the timing of the installation, with many noting that it occurred during busy traffic hours. They highlighted that the work could have been carried out early in the morning or late at night to reduce risks, and described the contractor’s actions as negligent, which ultimately led to Lal Bahadur Yadav’s death.

The petrol pump staff reportedly fled the scene after the accident, adding to the chaos and anger among locals. Meanwhile, authorities sent Yadav’s body for post-mortem and were examining safety protocols and accountability for the incident.

News india Caught On Cam: Samajwadi Party Leader Dies After 40-Quintal High-Mast Pole Collapses On His Car

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