A senior citizen reportedly died of cardiac arrest on the premises of an Amma canteen on Wednesday, minutes after he climbed the stairs.
According to Chennai Corporation sources, the man, who was known as Murugan in the locality, was allegedly homeless.
“He was a regular visitor to the Amma canteen on Melpatti Ponnappan Street in Tondiarpet zone. He visited the canteen on Wednesday, purchased tokens for four idlis and climbed the stairs to have food. He collapsed minutes after reaching the first floor,” said an official of Chennai Corporation.
A large number of homeless senior citizens are among the 2.5 lakh people who have food every day at Amma canteens across the city.
“A few of the canteens are not accessible to senior citizens, persons with serious physical illness and disability. We will identify such facilities and carry out the required modifications,” said the official.
According to police sources, the identity of the person has not been confirmed yet. The body has been sent to Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital.
As news of the death spread, the public health department of the Corporation scrambled to create awareness among employees of Amma canteens on making the buildings accessible to all.
The civic body will conduct training sessions for employees of Amma canteens on safety of visitors, fire safety and disaster preparedness.
