The Hindu : Front Page : Collector’s report points to human error

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Collector’s report points to human error

Staff Reporter

It recommends maximum help to kin of deceased in Pothanikad accident

Report submitted to Chief Minister
Driver, cleaner have valid driving licences

KOCHI: Human error caused the accident that claimed seven lives when a lorry lost control and ran into a Congress rally at Pothanikad on Thursday. This was the finding of a report that District Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish submitted to Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan on Friday.

The Collector also recommended the State government to extend maximum possible assistance to the kin of the deceased since all the victims were from financially backward conditions. The Collector’s report was based on the reports submitted by Muvattupuzha Revenue Divisional Officer P.K. Nalan and Regional Transport Officer, Muvattupuzha, P.A. Sainudeen.

Driver lost control

As per the report, the driver of the lorry, which was coming on to the road leading from Chathamattom, lost control of the vehicle on suddenly seeing a large number of people and might have failed to apply the brake properly.

This could be attributed to human error and that the lorry was coming down a slope added to the problem, the Collector said.

The driver was carrying a valid driving licence. Asked about speculations that the cleaner was on the driver’s seat, the Collector said that even if that was the case it did not make much difference as he too had a valid licence.

The report, however, said the road on which the accident took place was wide enough and there was nothing obstructing the vision of the driver. Denying reports that there was not enough police force on the scene at the time of the accident, Mr. Hanish said the organisers had informed the authorities of the rally well in advance and there were enough police personnel.

A report submitted by Deputy Transport Commissioner-in-charge N.M. Sukumaran based on a study on the possible technical and mechanical shortcomings of the lorry clearly stated that it was fit to be operated.

Lorry condition perfect

As per this report, the steering wheel, brake, tyres and other parts of the lorry were in perfect condition. Significantly, the lorry was also fitted with a speed governor. Following the incident, the fitness certificate of the lorry had been cancelled as also the driver’s licence.

The police investigation led by Muvattupuzha Dy.SP N. Sudheesh ruled out brake failure, as it was initially reported, leading to the accident. Preliminary inquiry showed that rash and negligent driving had led to the accident, said Vinson M. Paul, Inspector General of Police, Ernakulam Range.

The police had registered a case based on Section 304 Indian Penal Code of culpable homicide not amounting to murder on Mohanan, 42, of Olikal Veedu, West Punnamattom, the driver of the lorry.

The police were also probing whether the cleaner of the lorry was driving the lorry when the accident occurred and were also searching for three women, all labourers, who were reported to be in the vehicle then.

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