In a freak accident that was caught on camera, the Managing Director of a hospital in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore town allegedly lost control of his vehicle and ran over several persons, injuring at least four. The accident took place near the petrol bunk opposite KIMS Hospitals in the town.
The police said that they have since arrested Bomma Shiv Pratap Reddy, who was driving the car. The incident was reported to have happened at around 8 30 am and visuals of the accident show that the vehicle first hit a two-wheeler, before swerving and ramming into three bystanders on the road. The car later rammed into two auto rickshaws parked nearby and came to a halt.
While Reddy told the police that he lost control of the car, locals alleged that he was speeding when he hit the two-wheeler and attempted to escape, which caused him to run over three more people. Those at the spot immediately rushed to aid the injured while a group of people also surrounded Reddy’s car and blocked his path till he was arrested.
According to media reports, the injured were identified as P Rama Krishna, P Saritha, P Devasanamma and P Lakshmi and were all said to have suffered serious fractures. All of them are undergoing treatment.
Local police immediately rushed to the spot upon learning of the accident and have registered a case of rash and negligent driving. Officials said that further investigation was ongoing.
Last year, after a slew of accidents in the state, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister N Chinarajappa had said that more than 3,000 people were killed in road accidents every year in the state and roughly 30,000 people suffer injuries.
Taking the spate of accidents into consideration, the Andhra minister went on to say that road safety committees would be formed in every district and added that the state would amend the Transport Act if necessary.