Tragic Chennai Accident Claims Lives of Grandfather and Toddler
A devastating road accident in Chennai on Tuesday night resulted in the tragic deaths of a 55-year-old man and his two-and-a-half-year-old grandson. The fatal incident occurred when a 15-foot side door from a speeding mini truck detached and fell directly onto the auto-rickshaw they were travelling in.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident took place on Manimangalam main road near Padappai. Police identified the deceased as Kanniyappan (55), a resident of Manimangalam, and his young grandson Melvin. They were travelling with the boy's parents to visit relatives in Mudichur when the tragedy struck.
According to eyewitness accounts and police investigation, a brick-laden mini goods lorry was travelling at high speed when it crossed the auto-rickshaw. The massive 15-foot-long side door of the mini lorry suddenly detached and fell directly onto the moving three-wheeler. The heavy metal door crushed the vehicle with tremendous force.
Immediate Aftermath and Injuries
Kanniyappan and young Melvin died instantly at the scene from the impact. Three others sustained grievous injuries in the horrific accident:
- The auto driver, Loganathan (35)
- Kanniyappan's son (the child's father)
- Kanniyappan's daughter-in-law (the child's mother)
The Guduvanchery traffic investigation wing responded promptly to the scene, rescuing the injured from the mangled vehicle. All three injured persons were rushed to Tambaram Government Hospital for emergency medical treatment. The bodies of the deceased were also transported to the same hospital for post-mortem examination.
Driver Flees Scene, Police Investigation Reveals Negligence
In a disturbing development, the mini lorry driver abandoned his vehicle at the accident site and fled the scene. Police investigations have revealed clear negligence on the part of the lorry driver and vehicle maintenance.
Police officials stated that the side door of the brick-carrying mini lorry was not properly fastened with iron clamps at all four corners. This critical safety failure created a dangerous situation. Investigators suspect the heavy door detached from the vehicle due to vibrations caused by the driver operating at excessive speeds.
Public Outrage and Police Response
Local residents, shocked and angered by the preventable tragedy, staged a road blockade demanding the immediate arrest of the lorry driver. The protest highlighted community frustration with what appeared to be negligent driving and vehicle maintenance.
Police personnel managed to pacify the protesters by assuring them that the lorry had been seized and that active efforts were underway to locate and arrest the fleeing driver. Following these assurances, the protesters dispersed from the scene.
The Chennai traffic police have emphasized the importance of proper vehicle maintenance and responsible driving practices, particularly for commercial vehicles carrying heavy loads. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of how negligence on the roads can have devastating consequences for innocent families.
