A first-year polytechnic student, P. Kesavan (17) of Ayyampalayam near Musiri, was fatally knocked down by a vehicle on Thursday morning, triggering a protest from local people who blocked the busy Tiruchi-Salem Highway.
Kesavan, who is said to have been working part-time as a worker in a sand quarry, was crossing the road to go to work on Thursday when he was hit by a vehicle. He died on the spot.
Angered over the accident, residents of the village resorted to a road blockade on the highway alleging that frequent accidents were taking place on the road because of speeding sand-laden lorries. They demanded immediate action to trace the vehicle and prevent such accidents.
Police and Revenue officials rushed to the spot and assured action, following which the protesters dispersed. Traffic was disrupted for over an hour on the highway.