10-year-old on her way to school mowed down by lorry, two cops suspended

A 10-year-old girl was killed in a road accident while on her way to school, leading to the suspension of two traffic police officials.

The incident occurred around 8:15 AM on Wednesday on Perambur Papermills Road when Yamini, a single mother from Ponniyammanmedu area in northern Chennai, was riding her two-wheeler to drop her daughter Sowmiya at school. While crossing the road, Yamini lost her balance and fell to the left side of her vehicle.

A privately-owned transport lorry travelling close behind ran over Sowmiya, killing the child instantly. The mother broke down at the scene, devastated by the tragic turn of events.

Sembiam Police arrived at the location and arrested the lorry driver, identified as Karthikeyan from Thiruvannamalai. Sowmiya’s body was taken to Kilpauk for autopsy.

Devaraj, who operates a cab service and regularly uses the route, reported that he was driving behind the lorry, which was being driven rashly. Several commuters have complained about reckless driving by heavy motor vehicles on the narrow road going unchecked by authorities.

Following the accident, Inspector M Sudalaimani of K1 Sembiam Police Station has been suspended. Disciplinary action has also been taken against ACP Sathyamoorthy of the Puliyanthope Traffic Enforcement Wing.

The investigation is ongoing.