Key Takeaways
- A 23-year-old restaurant worker died and two colleagues were injured after a speeding Mercedes G63 lost control outside Ambience Mall in Vasant Kunj, Delhi.
- The SUV allegedly hit a road diversion, struck a pole, and rammed into the three men who were waiting at an auto-stand shortly after 2:30 a.m.
- The driver, a 29-year-old man from Karol Bagh named Shivam, has been detained; police have registered a case as investigation continues.
- The incident renews scrutiny on late-night road safety, especially around busy mall zones where workers home from late shifts may wait on pavements or auto-stands.
What Happened — The Facts
In the early hours of Sunday, around 2:33 a.m., a PCR call alerted the police at Vasant Kunj North station about a serious accident outside Ambience Mall. On arrival, officers found a mangled Mercedes G63 and three injured men lying near an auto-rickshaw stand on Nelson Mandela Marg.
The three — all reportedly employees of a restaurant inside the mall — were rushed to hospital. Among them, Rohit (23), a young man from Chamoli, Uttarakhand, was declared dead on arrival. The other two, aged 35 and 23, are undergoing treatment.
The driver, Shivam (29), a resident of Karol Bagh, was returning from a wedding with his wife and elder brother. According to initial police statements, the SUV lost balance after a road diversion, hit a pole, and then veered into the pedestrians standing nearby. The vehicle is registered to a friend of the driver, identified as Abhishek.
Delhi Police have detained the driver. Forensic examination of the vehicle, CCTV footage from the area, and mechanical inspection are underway. Legal action is being processed.
Why This Crash Matters — Bigger Picture
Risk to Late-Night Workers
Late-night mall staff often rely on auto-rickshaws or shared rides after shifts. Waiting on pavements or auto-stands near busy roads leaves them vulnerable — especially when speeding or reckless driving enters the equation. This crash tragically underlines that danger.
Luxury Cars + Road Hazards = Dangerous Mix
High-performance vehicles like Mercedes G-wagons have powerful engines and high center-of-gravity — not ideal for quick maneuvers or sudden road diversions. When drivers speed on narrow or diverted lanes, risk of losing control increases sharply.
Questions of Responsibility & Regulation
- Was the driver overspeeding? Under influence? Distracted? Police inquiry may reveal.
- Should there be stricter night-time traffic surveillance or speed restrictions near busy malls and auto-stands?
- Do malls or local authorities need to ensure safer waiting zones for workers after late shifts?
Timeline of Events
| Time / Moment | What Happened |
|---|---|
| ~ 2:30 a.m. | Mercedes G63 loses control near road diversion outside Ambience Mall |
| ~ 2:33 a.m. | PCR call received by Vasant Kunj North Police Station |
| Shortly after | Police arrive; three injured men found at auto-stand, SUV badly damaged |
| Early Morning | Victims rushed to hospital; one declared dead — driver detained |
| Post-crash | Police start investigation; forensic check & CCTV review underway |
What’s Next: Investigation & Implications
- Police action: Detained driver; case registered for reckless driving / negligence. CCTV, mechanical inspection, and forensic evidence will decide charges.
- Public safety review: Authorities may revisit road-diversion safety, sign-posting near malls, and enforce stricter speed limits late at night.
- Worker safety measures: Mall managements and city planners might need to provide safer pickup/drop zones for late-shift workers — proper lighting, barriers, and designated waiting areas.
FAQ
Preliminary police reports say the SUV lost balance after a diversion, then hit a pole and pedestrians. Whether speeding or impaired driving contributed is under investigation.
All three were restaurant workers at Ambience Mall. The deceased, Rohit (23), was from Chamoli, Uttarakhand. The other two (ages 35 and 23) are undergoing treatment.
Yes. The driver, Shivam (29), from Karol Bagh, has been detained by Delhi Police. Legal proceedings and further investigation are ongoing.
