Did a Drunk Driver Cause a Tragic Loss Near Chennai?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Drunk driving poses severe risks to public safety.
- Immediate law enforcement responses are crucial in such incidents.
- Victims' families deserve justice and support.
- Awareness campaigns on road safety can prevent future tragedies.
- Community outrage can lead to stronger legal measures.
Chennai, June 24 (NationPress) A family's joyous occasion was shattered when a head-on crash involving a drunk driver took the lives of a seven-months pregnant woman, her unborn child, and her father early on Tuesday near Chennai.
The incident occurred on the Maduravoyal-Tambaram Bypass close to Anakaputhur. The victims have been identified as Deepika (23), her unborn baby, and her father Padmanabhan (60), all of whom hailed from Madurai district.
Deepika had been residing in Kotturpuram, Chennai, with her husband for the last two years.
The family had gathered in the city for Deepika's traditional baby shower just days prior. Following the event, her parents planned to escort her back to Madurai for her upcoming delivery.
On Monday evening, they attended a child's birthday party in Chennai and decided to stay overnight. They embarked on their journey back to Madurai early on Tuesday morning.
As dawn broke, while their vehicle was navigating the Maduravoyal Bypass, calamity struck. A car emerging from a nearby petrol station allegedly veered into the wrong lane at high speed, resulting in a head-on collision with their vehicle.
The force of the impact was catastrophic, leading to the immediate deaths of Deepika and Padmanabhan. Deepika, who was in her third trimester, could not be revived, and her unborn baby perished in the womb.
Deepika's mother, who was also present in the car, suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai.
The driver of their vehicle sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the Chromepet Government Hospital.
The Chromepet Traffic Investigation Police promptly arrived at the scene and initiated an inquiry.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of the other vehicle, identified as Manikandan, was intoxicated. He was speeding and driving against the traffic.
Manikandan was arrested at the site, and a case has been filed under relevant Sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to rash and negligent driving resulting in death.
Authorities confirmed that his reckless behavior directly caused this tragic incident.
The bodies of Deepika and Padmanabhan were transported to Chromepet Government Hospital for autopsy.
This heartbreaking accident has stirred widespread anger, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of laws against drunk driving and reckless behavior on the roads.
aal/rad