Singh sustained critical injuries when he was out on his afternoon walk and died shortly after.
Fauja Singh
The world is still weeping at news reports that Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner, has passed away in a hit-and-run case in Punjab.
The police in India have arrested a man in connection with the death. Reports cite police stating that the accused, Amritpal Singh Dhillon, speeding in an SUV, struck the 114-year-old British-Indian runner. Singh sustained critical injuries when he was out on his afternoon walk and died shortly after.
This paper has reported extensively on the global running icon, who belied his age, setting records in marathons and long-distance races, proving hugely inspirational to all those who aspired to get started on fitness, but thought they may be too old. ‘If Fauja can, why can’t we?’ thought millions as they laced up their running shoes and took their first steps towards a healthier life.
This, though, is not about the icon or the fact that an NRI allegedly hit Fauja with a speeding SUV. The driver has been arrested and claimed he did not know he had hit Fauja Singh. Several reports state the vehicle was speeding, and the driver did not take Singh to the hospital at once; the locals did.
The larger point is that messages must go out to all users; speed kills. This is especially for youngsters, stepping on the accelerator of the luxury cars flooding the Indian market. Speed is not the ultimate high; it is the ultimate die. The industry, in fact, needs to put this warning, maybe word it well, we think, with every vehicle, just like cigarette packets carrying health warnings.
It is also important that drivers do not ‘run’ from a scene, sometimes though, a mob takes matters into their own hands and they are intimidated. Quick action can make the difference between life and death. Our roads need to be safer, and drivers more conscious.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
