UP driver killed as truck rams container on Danua valley stretch in Hazaribag

Hazaribag: A 33-year-old driver was killed died after a a truck carrying iron rods from Kolkata to Azamgarh crashed into his container truck at Danua valley on NH-19 in Hazaribag district early on Friday, police said.The deceased was identified as Pramod Kumar, from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh, from an Aadhaar card recovered from the mangled cabin. Police said the accident occurred after Kumar suddenly applied brakes on the valley stretch. The truck behind lost control and rammed into the container with such force that Kumar was trapped inside.Locals, police from Chordaha checkpost and rescue teams rushed to the spot after being alerted. Officer in-charge of Chauparan police station Pankaj Kumar said, “The body was taken out of the damaged truck and sent for post-mortem examination.”The crash has again spotlighted Danua valley’s accidents. The NH-19 stretch has long been considered an accident-prone zone, recording dozens of deaths every year despite interventions by NHAI, experts and the district administration. Residents blame the steep gradient, sharp U-turns and deep roadside ditches, saying vehicles often plunge into trenches after losing control. They said even minor crashes turn fatal on the slope.