SP Leader Lal Bahadur Yadav Killed After High-Mast Pole Falls on Car in Pratapgarh

Pratapgarh (Uttar Pradesh): Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Lal Bahadur Yadav (47) died in a tragic accident on Sunday, February 15, 2026, after a high-mast light pole collapsed onto his moving car in the Babu Ganj market area.

The Accident

The incident occurred around 1:00 PM under the jurisdiction of Antu Police Station.

According to police, workers were installing a high-mast light pole—reportedly weighing around 1,000 kg—near a Bharat Petroleum outlet when it allegedly lost balance and toppled onto the road. The falling structure landed directly on Yadav’s Hyundai Creta.

CCTV footage from the area captured the moment of impact, showing the front portion of the vehicle being completely crushed while the rear reportedly lifted nearly two feet into the air due to the force.

Rescue and Death

Yadav, who was alone in the vehicle, became trapped inside and sustained critical injuries. Local residents rushed to the scene and helped move the heavy pole to rescue him.

He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Background

Lal Bahadur Yadav was a resident of Babu Ganj market and an active member of the Samajwadi Party. He had contested the 2022 Antu Nagar Panchayat elections.

Apart from his political involvement, he was also a Public Works Department (PWD) contractor and held a local country liquor license.

Investigation Underway

Preliminary findings indicate possible negligence during the installation process of the high-mast light. Police have sent the body for post-mortem examination and stated that strict action will be taken against those found responsible.

Authorities are examining CCTV footage and questioning workers involved in the installation as part of the ongoing investigation.