Teen killed, rider critical as speeding bike hits MTC bus

The police said that the rider was also critical and both of them did not wear helmets, while the bus that was involved in the accident is yet to be traced.

The deceased, R Shantha Kumar (19) of Pattalam near Pulianthope, the pillion rider, was a second-year BCom student of Theagaraya College, police said. His father Ravi Kumar is a conservancy worker. His friend, another 19-year-old student identified as G Balaji (19) from Perambur, who rode the bike, has been admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in a criticalcondition.

The incident happened around 6 am when the duo, along with six other friends, were going to the Marina beach to play cricket as usual. “Eight people were travelling on five motorbikes towards the Lighthouse. While Shantha Kumar was riding pillion, Balaji was driving the bike. Neither of them were wearing helmet,” said police.

Near the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose statue, Balaji tried to overtake an autorickshaw when the motorbike’s handlebar hit the side of an oncoming MTC bus. He lost control of the vehicle and Shantha Kumar fell on the road, towards the lane where the bus was proceeding. Its rear tyre bus ran over Shantha Kumar, killing him on the spot, said the police.

Balaji, too, suffered grievous injuries in the accident and was admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Shantha Kumar’s body was sent to Kosha hospital for autopsy. The Anna Square Traffic investigation police have registered a case and further investigation is on. The police said that they are yet to trace the MTC bus, which sped awayfrom the spot.

Meanwhile, Marina traffic police seized as many as 15 two-wheelers for indulging in drag racing and risky bike stunts on Kamarajar Salai on Saturday night. The vehicles were intercepted at Besant Road-Kamarajar Salai junction during a vehicle check. Further inquiry is on.