18-Year-Old Girl Dies in Scooter Accident: On the quiet night of Sunday, June 1, 2025, what began as a moment of learning and joy ended in unimaginable tragedy in the fast-developing township of New Town, Kolkata. An 18-year-old girl, identified as Pooja Saha, lost her life after the scooter she was learning to ride struck a speed breaker. She lost control of the vehicle and was thrown off. Critically, she was not wearing a helmet. The fall resulted in severe head trauma, and despite being rushed to the Rekjuani Rural Health Center, she was declared dead on arrival.
Pooja Saha: A Bright Student With Dreams
Pooja had just completed her Higher Secondary (Class 12) examinations and was reportedly preparing to pursue a degree in English Literature. Her family and friends described her as an ambitious, cheerful young woman with a passion for reading and teaching. Living in a modest home in New Town, she often spoke of becoming a college professor. That dream was abruptly cut short.
Her father, a private sector employee, and her homemaker mother are devastated. “She was our only child,” her mother said, unable to contain her grief. “She had so many dreams… we never thought teaching her to ride a scooter could lead to this.”
18-Year-Old Girl Dies in Scooter Accident: Timeline of the Accident
According to police reports and eyewitnesses, the accident occurred around 10 PM near the Majherhat shrine in the Rekjuani area. Pooja was accompanied by a friend, identified as Subhankar Bhowmik, who was helping her learn to ride a two-wheeler. The scooter was registered in Subhankar’s name.
As they approached a stretch of road with a poorly marked speed breaker, Pooja failed to slow down. The scooter lifted slightly upon hitting the bump, causing her to lose balance. The vehicle skidded and she was thrown off. With no helmet, she suffered a severe head injury.
Subhankar, who was wearing a helmet and riding pillion, sustained only minor injuries. He, along with some passersby, immediately rushed her to the nearby health center, but the doctors declared her dead on arrival.
Police Statement and Investigation
The New Town police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating all possible angles. “At this stage, it appears to be a case of accidental death due to loss of control and lack of helmet protection,” said an officer. “We are examining the vehicle for mechanical faults and reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity.”
The scooter has been seized and Subhankar’s statement recorded. While no foul play is currently suspected, the investigation is ongoing. The absence of protective gear and lack of formal training are key factors under scrutiny.
A Community in Mourning
The news of Pooja’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through the Rekjuani community. Friends and neighbors gathered at her residence on Monday morning to offer condolences. Many of them remembered her as a bright, diligent student who tutored local children for pocket money.
“We are heartbroken,” said her tuition student, a 10-year-old girl from the neighborhood. “She used to tell me that I should never stop studying, no matter what. I will miss her.”
Helmet Usage and Road Safety in West Bengal
The tragedy has once again brought attention to the alarming rate of two-wheeler fatalities involving young riders in West Bengal. According to data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the state reported over 4,000 two-wheeler accidents in 2024, with more than 30% of the fatalities linked to non-usage of helmets.
In Kolkata and surrounding urban areas like New Town, the enforcement of helmet rules has been inconsistent. While police routinely conduct drives, awareness among new riders, especially those learning informally, remains low. Experts believe that educational interventions and strict law enforcement are the need of the hour.
Why Speed Breakers Are a Safety Hazard
The location of the accident has drawn further scrutiny. Local residents have complained about unmarked or poorly visible speed breakers on that stretch of road. Inadequate lighting and absence of signage contributed to Pooja’s failure to slow down in time.
“There have been multiple minor accidents on this road,” a local shopkeeper told reporters. “It was only a matter of time before something serious happened.”
Urban planners and safety experts stress the importance of marking speed bumps with reflective paint, warning signs, and ensuring street lighting. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has been urged to conduct a safety audit in the area.
Subhankar Bhowmik’s Statement
Subhankar, who is currently recovering from minor abrasions, gave a statement to the police and media. “I thought the road was clear. I was guiding her from behind. I told her to slow down, but it all happened so fast,” he said tearfully.
Subhankar is reportedly a final-year college student and a family friend of the Sahas. There is no indication of any negligence or recklessness from his side beyond the failure to ensure helmet usage. The family has not pressed any charges.
Government and Public Response
West Bengal’s Transport Minister, Snehasish Chakraborty, issued a statement on Monday afternoon, expressing condolences and promising a review of helmet enforcement policies. “This is a tragic reminder that our youth must be educated about safety before getting on the road. We will intensify awareness campaigns and consider revising helmet laws for learners,” he said.
NGOs and civic organizations have also responded. The Safe Roads Foundation has announced a series of school and college workshops in New Town and Salt Lake to promote road safety and first-responder training.
Legal Perspective: Could This Have Been Prevented?
Legal experts say that while the accident was unintentional, certain responsibilities must be addressed. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, it is mandatory for both the rider and pillion passenger to wear helmets. Further, letting an unlicensed individual ride a scooter on a public road is illegal, even if done with good intentions.
“The law is clear: a learner must have a learner’s license and be under proper supervision,” said advocate Pratik Sen. “It’s a tragic situation, but one that illustrates how a well-meaning act can turn into negligence without adherence to safety norms.”
Lessons for the Future
Pooja Saha’s death is more than just a tragic news story—it is a wake-up call. Her story encapsulates the dangers of informal learning, helmet non-compliance, poor road infrastructure, and casual attitudes toward safety. Her grieving parents now hope that her story will inspire other families to ensure their children never ride without helmets or proper training.
“If even one life is saved because someone remembers our daughter’s story and wears a helmet, we’ll take solace in that,” said her father.
Conclusion: A Life Remembered
The memory of Pooja Saha will linger in the hearts of her family, friends, and community. A smart, ambitious girl who dreamt of becoming a teacher, her life was full of potential. Her untimely death has not only robbed her family of their only child but has also shined a harsh light on the systemic gaps in road safety education and infrastructure.
As her last rites were performed on Monday evening amid tearful goodbyes, one lesson stood above all—no matter how confident or careful you feel, safety gear is not optional; it is life-saving.
Relevant External DoFollow Links (Official Only)
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Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India
For official road safety rules, helmet mandates, and transport policies:
https://morth.nic.in -
Kolkata Traffic Police – Road Safety Campaigns & Rules
For city-specific rules regarding two-wheelers and helmet enforcement:
https://kolkatatrafficpolice.gov.in -
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) – Accidental Deaths & Suicides Report
For official statistics on road accidents in India:
https://ncrb.gov.in/en/accidental-deaths-suicides-in-india -
West Bengal Police Official Website
For updates, FIR filing process, and police safety awareness programs in the state:
https://wbpolice.gov.in -
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India
For emergency medical response guidelines and head injury protocols:
https://main.mohfw.gov.in -
Transport Department, Government of West Bengal
For state-level guidelines on learner’s permits, road safety, and licensing norms:
https://transport.wb.gov.in -
IRF India Chapter – International Road Federation (India)
For road safety research and helmet safety guidelines:
https://www.irfindia.org
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