Chennai: MTC to pay Rs 12.88 lakh to youth's kin

Chennai: The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Chennai, has directed Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) to pay a compensation of Rs 12.88 lakh to parents of a 21-year old youth, who died in a road accident caused by an MTC bus three years ago.

In the petition, G. Santha and R. Gopal of Pallikaranai here, said their son, R.Vignesh, was working in a private company as a driver. On February 10, 2013 at 8-30 am, Vignesh was proceeding to Egmore from Pallikaranai on a mobike. When he reached M.C Raja Hostel, Saidapet, an MTC bus, which was driven in a rash and negligent manner came from behind and rammed against the two-wheeler causing fatal injuries to Vignesh.

The accident was caused solely due to rash and negligent act of bus driver. The  Guindy traffic investigation police registered a case against the driver.

In its reply, MTC said the accident was caused by Vignesh. The bus was on a scheduled trip from East Tambaram to T. Nagar at 8.30 hrs. The driver drove the vehicle safely and when the bus reached near M.C.Raja government hostel, the driver saw two motorbikes going at high speed and it looked like they were taking part in a bike race. Both two-wheelers grazed against each other. In the impact, Vignesh lost his balance and grazed the right side of the bus. He fell down and sustained fatal injuries. Hence, the driver was not responsible for the accident.

Special sub judge M.A. Kabeer, said,  “the tribunal holds that the accident occurred due to the rash and negligence of the bus driver. The tribunal directs the Managing Director, MTC, to pay a compensation of Rs 12.88 lakh, with interest of 7.5 per cent per annum, to the parents of the deceased.