CHENNAI: A routine school run turned tragic on Wednesday morning when S Sowmya, a 10-year-old Class 5 student, was killed in a road accident near Perambur. The girl, who was riding pillion on her mother’s two-wheeler, fell onto the road and was run over by a trailing lorry, police said.
The incident occurred on Paper Mills Road when Sowmya’s mother, Yamini, reportedly braked suddenly to avoid hitting a vehicle ahead. The abrupt stop caused Sowmya to lose balance and fall. A lorry following closely behind ran over her, killing her on the spot. Yamini survived the fall with minor injuries and was assisted by passersby.
Personnel from the Thirumangalam Traffic Investigation Wing rushed to the scene and shifted Sowmya’s body to the Government Hospital for post-mortem. The lorry driver has been arrested, police confirmed.
The accident has sparked strong administrative action. Chennai Police Commissioner A Arun ordered the suspension of Sembium Traffic Inspector Sudalaimani, holding him responsible for failing to enforce restrictions on heavy vehicle movement during school hours. Departmental proceedings have also been initiated against Pulianthope Assistant Commissioner Sathyamoorthy.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the city police reiterated restrictions on heavy vehicle movement from 7 AM to 12 noon and 4 PM to 8 PM, particularly around school zones.