Chennai: A mini truck that ran amok near the high security areas of the US Consulate rammed into the retaining wall of the Gemini Flyover on Wednesday morning leading to multiple collisions.
As many as 6 passengers in a cab were trapped as they were stuck between the truck and an MTC bus. Sabaresh (3), who was in the cab, suffered severe injuries and is being treated at a private hospital in the City. His grandfather Dayalan (57), employed at the Secretariat, his aunt Tamil Mani (67) and the MTC bus driver Karnan were the others injured in the accident.
The truck laden with materials meant for TVS veered off course and rammed the retaining wall and came into the path of a SUV Ola cab. The third vehicle - an MTC bus - ran into the wreckage trapping the SUV at around 7 am. The truck driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene fearing a thrashing from the public.
The family was heading in the cab to a temple in Tirumullaivoyal from their residence in Royapettah for a domestic ceremony when the mishap occurred. Vidya, a class VII student, who was in the cab, recalled her harrowing experience to the media.
“Just as we were climbing on to the flyover the truck hit the wall and our car hit that truck. In a fraction of a second, the bus which was tailing our vehicle, rammed into our car and I passed out. The other road users rescued us in a jiffy and I came to my senses and alerted our relatives to help us”, she said.
“The children are still recovering from the shock. Priya, who was in the cab is 5 -months pregnant. She suffered minor injuries”, said a relative who was waiting for the injured being treated at the casualty ward. Sources said Dayalan had joined duty only on Tuesday after a 4-months medical leave.
Adyar Traffic Investigation wing registered a case of rash driving against the mini-truck driver who is still at large. The accident disrupted traffic for about 30 minutes and the wrecked vehicles were brought off the flyover down to the service lane and were later towed away to the police station. On November 11, a tipper lorry plunged down from this flyover and crushed three vehicles parked in the service lane.
