Six killed, two injured in separate road accidents near Chennai
- Six people were killed and two injured in two separate road accidents near Chennai.
- One accident involved a lorry and an auto-rickshaw, killing three; another involved a car hitting a stationary truck, killing three.
- Police have registered cases and investigations are underway.
Chennai: Six people were killed and two others injured in two separate road accidents near the city on Thursday, police said. The incidents, which occurred in different locations, have prompted investigations by local authorities.
First accident: Lorry rams auto-rickshaw
The first accident took place on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway near the town of Tiruvallur, about 40 km from the city. According to police, a speeding lorry hit an auto-rickshaw from behind, killing three people on the spot.
The deceased were identified as the auto-rickshaw driver and two passengers. Two other passengers in the auto-rickshaw sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby government hospital. Their condition is reported to be stable.
Police have seized the lorry and arrested the driver, who fled the scene after the crash. A case of rash driving and causing death by negligence has been registered.
Second accident: Car hits stationary truck
The second accident was reported late Thursday night on the Chennai-Kolkata Highway near the town of Gummidipoondi, around 50 km north of the city. A speeding car crashed into a stationary truck parked on the side of the road.
Three men, all occupants of the car, died on the spot. The truck driver was not present at the time of the accident. Police said the car was completely mangled in the impact.
The identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed. Officials said efforts are on to trace their families. No one else was injured in this incident.
Police probe underway
In both cases, local police have registered separate FIRs and are investigating the circumstances. Preliminary findings suggest overspeeding may have been a factor in both accidents.
Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution, especially on highways where heavy vehicles are common. The stretch near Tiruvallur has seen multiple accidents in the past year, residents said.
Traffic police are expected to conduct a review of safety measures on these routes. Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem.
Officials have not yet released the names of all the victims. Investigations are ongoing.