A truck carrying a substantial load of mangoes overturned on a bridge in Dehradun, inciting chaos as local residents scrambled to collect the scattered fruit.
A truck loaded with mangoes overturned on the Rispana Bridge in Dehradun, creating a chaotic scene as residents and passersby gathered to collect the ripe fruit strewn across the road.
The incident, fortunately, resulted in no injuries. However, it did lead to a frenzy as dozens of people, equipped with baskets, bags, and even sacks, rushed to seize as many mangoes as they could.
A video capturing the incident quickly went viral online, showing people in a frenzy, picking up mangoes by the handful and carting away entire crates from the scene.
The video has sparked considerable debate and outrage on social media, with users questioning public conduct during emergencies and highlighting a lack of empathy displayed by those involved. One user of the platform X remarked, “A truck loaded with mangoes overturned on Dehradun’s Rispana Bridge. No one was injured in the accident, but the juicy mangoes scattered on the road caught the attention of some people. Turning disaster into opportunity, many rushed with baskets and bags to grab the mangoes, as if a free fair had been set up!”
Reactions were varied, with some expressing disappointment over what they saw as a reflection of poor social values. “Truck containing mangoes overturned in Dehradun & locals, displaying the great Indian civic culture, looted all the mangoes,” criticized one user. Another added, “This is our true reality when it comes to socially involving with community. We are happy when someone is in trouble, either to benefit from it or for just ease of inner feeling.”
Other comments were similarly critical, with one user saying, “In India, when someone is in trouble, people don’t help, instead take advantage of the situation for personal gain. Unfortunately, it is ingrained in the DNA,” while another added, “Everyone is liable and eligible to go to jail for theft! They are all thieves! Arrest them all!! It’s not possible to arrest all, I guess… At least they are not fit to be civilians!”
Amidst the backlash, some highlighted broader issues. “This proves a lack of basic necessities amongst people, lack of basic education, healthcare and public infrastructure in India. And most importantly, lack of common sense as well,” noted a user.
Meanwhile, a separate tragic incident involving a mango-laden truck took place in Andhra Pradesh’s Annamayya district, where nine laborers lost their lives, and ten others were injured. The accident occurred at Reddy Cheruvu Katta in Pullampeta mandal, approximately 60 kilometers from Kadapa town.
Authorities reported that the laborers, who were sitting atop the mango load, were crushed when the truck overturned after the driver lost control while attempting to avoid an oncoming car. The driver survived the incident and provided police with an account of the events leading to the tragic overturn.