The National Human Rights Commission on Friday issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government over the increasing number of accidents caused by lorries in various parts of the state.

The move follows the gruesome death of three college girls in an accident caused by a Metrowater tanker lorry in Guindy area of Chennai on Thursday.

The commission took cognizance of media reports on the accident which left four others injured.

"Reportedly, this was not the only accident caused by a water tanker lorry as the provisions of cancelling driving licenses in case of accidents under the Motor Vehicle Act are not being strictly implemented by the authorities in the state," the commission said.

Observing that the Transport Department, police and the Chennai Water Supply and Sewerage Board were insensitive, the commission has issued notice to the Tamil Nadu government through its Chief Secretary and Director General of Police calling for a detailed report on the matter within four weeks.

"They have also been asked to inform about the norms relating to fitness of water tanker lorries, number of trips allowed, number of persons died in such accidents during last five years and preventive action taken against the erring drivers and the other officials of the department concerned," said the commission.