Chennai swimmer passes away in road mishap

Ace Tamil Nadu swimmer MB Balakrishnan, who had won gold medals in the 11th South Asian Games in Dhaka and in various National meets, died in a road accident in the city on Tuesday night.

Balakrishnan was riding a bullet going from Arumbakkam to his house in Jayalakshmi Colony, Shenoy Nagar with a friend in pillion.

Police said when he tried to overtake the lorry the bike touched it and he lost control of the vehicle and came under its wheels.

Balakrishnan, who fell on the right side in front of the lorry, was killed on the spot while his friend, who fell on the other side, escaped unhurt.

His body was taken to Kilpauk Government Medical College hospital for post mortem.

Son of a doctor couple, Balakrishnan was an alumnus of College of Engineering, Guindy, and he did his MS in the USA and was working there. He had recently returned to the city for vacation and to spend time with his parents.

Balakrishnan was earlier in the news in September 2010, when he was attacked by an unidentified gang ahead of his participation in the Commonwealth Games.