Samajwadi Party leader Lal Bahadur Yadav (48) died on the spot in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, on February 16, 2026, when a ~1,000 kg (40-quintal) high-mast lighting pole collapsed during installation near a petrol pump in Babuganj market, crushing his Hyundai Creta.

The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred as he drove for personal work just 500 meters from home. Locals allege negligence; police have launched an inquiry.