Enquiry by retired judge concluded he had driven rashly
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation Limited (MTC) has dismissed the driver of the bus which fell off the ramp on Gemini Flyover in June. The officials have accused him of rash and negligent driving.
On the afternoon of June 27, the MTC bus (route 17M) smashed through the concrete railing on the ramp of the flyover and tumbled onto Anna Salai. The public transport vehicle which started from Broadway, got on to the flyover around 1.30 p.m. and was headed towards Vadapalani. While negotiating a sharp curve to the left on the bridge, the vehicle suddenly swerved to the right and broke through the wall and rolled onto the road.
MTC officials present at the scene of the accident said that the driver Prasad was overspeeding as he took the turn and the vehicle was pushed to the right due to the centrifugal force. They said that he should have reduced the speed while turning.
The traffic police seized his license and arrested Prasad and conductor Hemakumar. They were booked under Sections 279 (rash and negligent driving), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others).
The MTC too conducted a separate enquiry into the accident and placed Prasad under suspension. “Mr. Rangaraju, a retired judge, conducted the enquiry and concluded that the driver had indulged in rash driving,” said a senior MTC official. Six days ago, the termination order was sent to Prasad by post.
The driver’s version was that the seat moved when he was taking a turn on the ramp and he lost his balance. He said that once the bus hit the railing, he ensured that the speed was under control. However a senior MTC official dismissed these claims. “The retired judged who conducted the enquiry made a comprehensive study of the accident before arriving at a conclusion,” said the official.
K. Natarajan, general secretary of MTC Employees Progressive Union said that they will take up the issue legally. “The police have said the driver’s licence will be returned,” he added.
Keywords: MTC bus accident, Gemini Flyover accident, driver dismissal
What does the technical report say, prior to arriving at the judgement?
What is the driver's statement for the mishap that happened, while
negotiating a curve on the said bridge, just prior to the incident.
His state of mind, whether in intoxicated state,disturbed by passengers
around the driver's seat, area etc.
Why cant we put up speed limit boards on every roads and why dont the
traffic police force the public to implement it??
I think even the traffic police are equally responsible for not even
trying to control the rash driving in the TN capital.
Just put boards in the roads with speed limits and tough penalty for the
violation, you can easily see these mess coming down.
Ask these ptc union drivers to stay away atleast from justice. the judge
is surely not a fool. I am getting pissed off with the driving attitude
and negligence of every single driver of the PTC. Citizens have no
rights to live . Insted of covering the driver in the name of union ask
them to be a more responsible citizen.
I welcome the bold decision of the MTC to suspend the driver who was involved in the recent accident to a bus at the Gemini flyover. Such an action will not only instill fear among his colleagues but also create an impression among the passengers that the Corporation will never hesitate to spare the rod in case the crew members are found negligent or rash while driving. I would go to the extent of recommending to the MTC that it should not stick to the rule of serving memo, instituting enquiry, placing under suspension. Straightaway, the Corporation should go ahead with dismissing the drivers if they are found at fault of rash or negligent driving, for, the lives of innocent passengers are at stake. I once again appreciate MTC for taking an intelligent decision. The Corporation should not yield to pressure being exerted by the axed employee through the union.
I welcome this speedy investigation and dismissal of the negligent driver who also has blamed the bus. He should be fined for giving a wrong information about bus condition. Such sentences should be a reminder for all State transport drivers.
News article:"Driver of MTC bus that fell off Gemini flyover dismissed."
It is the responsibility of highways/Roadways/Corporation(?) dept to putup speed limit board and police should ensure all vehicles follow the speed limit.
Sir,
In US they fine 250$ for exceeding speed limit.
Did they investigate why the parapet wall lacked safety by not acting as bumper to hold the
bus and prevent from rolling down? The parapet wall is not a decorative railing.
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