Elderly man killed as lorry reverses onto Chennai service road
- A 65-year-old man was killed after a lorry reversed over him in Chennai.
- The incident occurred on the Vanagaram-Poonamallee service road.
- Police are investigating and the lorry driver is being questioned.
Accident on Vanagaram-Poonamallee Service Road
A 65-year-old man was killed when a lorry ran over him while reversing onto the Vanagaram-Poonamallee service road in Chennai on Saturday. The incident took place in the afternoon, according to local police.
The victim, whose name has not been released pending family notification, was walking near the service road. The lorry driver, attempting to back onto the road from a side lane, did not see the man. The vehicle's rear wheels ran over him.
Police Investigation Underway
Police rushed to the spot after receiving a call from bystanders. The victim was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of death, though injuries from the accident are believed to be the cause.
The lorry driver has been taken into custody for questioning. Authorities are examining the scene and reviewing CCTV footage from the area. They are also looking into whether the driver had a valid license and if the vehicle was properly maintained.
Traffic Disruptions and Safety Concerns
The accident caused brief traffic disruptions on the service road as emergency vehicles arrived. Traffic was diverted for about an hour while police completed their initial investigation.
This stretch of road has seen several accidents in recent years, residents say. They have repeatedly demanded better lighting and speed breakers to prevent such incidents. The Vanagaram-Poonamallee road is a busy connector, used by heavy vehicles and commuters alike.
What Happens Next
Police are expected to file a case of causing death by negligence. The lorry driver may be charged under Indian Penal Code sections related to rash driving. The investigation will also look into whether the vehicle's reversing alarms were functional at the time.
Authorities are likely to release the victim's name once family is informed. Further details on the driver's statement and any CCTV evidence are awaited. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of reversing heavy vehicles in busy areas without proper precautions.