Coimbatore College Student Killed in Tragic Road Accident, Residents Protest for Safety Measures
A tragic road accident claimed the life of a young college student on Friday morning at the Arivoli Nagar junction on the newly constructed Western Ring Road in Coimbatore district. The incident has ignited widespread outrage among local residents, leading to a massive road blockade protest demanding immediate infrastructure improvements.
Fatal Collision Details
The deceased has been identified as V Nirmala Devi, a 22-year-old resident of Anna Sathukkam in Arivoli Nagar who was pursuing her education at a private college in Kovaipudur. According to police reports, Nirmala Devi was traveling with four other passengers in an autorickshaw driven by 30-year-old Nagaraj.
As the autorickshaw attempted to cross the road at the Arivoli Nagar junction, it was struck by a speeding goods autorickshaw moving toward Palakkad Road. The impact caused the passenger vehicle to topple violently. Tragically, Nirmala Devi succumbed to her injuries at the scene, while the other occupants sustained various injuries and were rushed to the government hospital in Sundakkamuthur for treatment.
Community Outrage and Protest
In response to this heartbreaking loss, more than 200 residents of Arivoli Nagar descended upon the Western Ring Road around 11 am, initiating a road roko protest that continued into Thursday evening. The protesters are demanding that authorities construct either a flyover or an underpass at the Arivoli junction, which they describe as dangerously designed.
This marks the fourth serious accident at this particular junction within just seven days, highlighting what residents call a pattern of negligence in road planning. The protest remained ongoing despite intervention from Perur sub-division DSP Suresh and other police officers who attempted to negotiate with the demonstrators.
Authorities' Response and Resident Concerns
While authorities assured protesters they would implement temporary arrangements to facilitate safer road crossing at the junction, residents refused to withdraw their demonstration, insisting on permanent structural solutions. A resident from Orchids Apartment in Arivoli Nagar explained the gravity of the situation, noting that the junction serves numerous schools, colleges, and housing board units, making it exceptionally busy.
The resident emphasized that the Western Ring Road, which has yet to be officially inaugurated, has become a nightmare for local residents due to vehicles traveling at excessive speeds. They criticized the authorities for laying the road without proper planning and stressed that only a flyover or underpass could effectively prevent further tragedies.
Broader Implications
This incident underscores growing concerns about road safety infrastructure in rapidly developing urban areas. The protest reflects community frustration with what they perceive as inadequate safety measures on newly constructed roads, particularly in residential and educational zones. The demand for structural interventions like flyovers or underpasses highlights the urgent need for comprehensive traffic planning that prioritizes pedestrian and commuter safety alongside vehicular mobility.
