Chennai: Four people, including a couple and a six-year-old schoolboy, were killed and five others injured in three separate road accidents in Chennai and Chengalpet district on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In the first accident on Wednesday morning, Velu (41), his wife Kavitha (38), and their four-year-old son, natives of Munungampattu village near Cheyyar in Tiruvannamalai district, were traveling on a two-wheeler when an M-sand-laden tipper rammed their vehicle from behind near Meyyur junction on the Tiruchirappalli-Chennai National Highway. In another incident on Wednesday afternoon, Miliran (6), a Class 1 student at a private school near Vandalur railway station, was killed after a speeding van lost control and rammed two motorcycles – including the one on which he was riding pillion – on the Vandalur flyover.
Police said the couple, who worked in Chennai, had visited their native village for Diwali and were returning to the city when the accident occurred. Police said his father, Saravanan, a resident of the Vandalur Zoological Park quarters, was taking him to school when the accident occurred. The couple, who were wearing helmets, died on the spot. Their son escaped with minor injuries. The Padalam police registered a case and are searching for the absconding driver.
Police arrested the tanker driver, Ajith Kumar (27), a native of Mayiladuthurai district who was working on contract for the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). During questioning, the driver claimed that the accident occurred due to brake failure. The Villivakkam traffic investigation wing police have registered a case and are investigating.