Chennai: A devastating accident occurred at the Moolakothalam signal near Basin Bridge on Monday morning when a speeding lorry ploughed into motorcyclists waiting at the traffic light, resulting in the deaths of two men and injuries to two others. Police investigations revealed that the lorry driver lost control of the vehicle due to brake failure.
Details of the Accident
The lorry was transporting rice from the Vyasarpadi goods yard to the food supplies department godown on Mint Street. While descending a flyover, the driver lost control, and the vehicle rammed into motorcycles lined up at the signal. Witnesses reported that moments before the crash, the driver sounded the horn, causing motorists ahead to scramble aside. Some abandoned their vehicles and ran, but those directly in the lorry’s path had little time to escape.
Victims and Injuries
The two deceased were identified as C Muralidharan, 56, of Mogappair East, an assistant registrar at Madras high court, and E Gautham, 60, of Avadi. Both were traveling on separate motorcycles. Rajeshwari, 45, of Sowcarpet, an office assistant at Madras high court who was riding pillion with Muralidharan, and Balakrishnan, 63, of Vyasarpadi, were injured and are currently undergoing treatment at Stanley Government Medical College and Hospital.
Police Action
Washermenpet traffic investigation wing police recovered the bodies and sent them for post-mortem to Stanley hospital. A case has been registered against the driver, S Rajkumar, 46, of Koyambedu. Commuters who witnessed the accident attempted to assault the driver before traffic police intervened.
Traffic Disruption
The accident triggered severe traffic congestion across north Chennai for several hours, with snarls reported on Wall Tax Road, Pulianthope, Moolakothalam, and Mint Street, as vehicles backed up as far as Vyasarpadi.
