Signboard falls on bus, halts traffic near Anna Salai

Traffic came to a standstill for close to two hours at Anna Salai on Thursday morning when an MTC bus rammed into a pole holding a signboard, which, in turn, fell on the bus. Eight, including four women, were injured.

There were no casualties. The incident occurred near Spencer’s Plaza on Anna Salai at 11 am when a packed bus (18K cut service) from Saidapet West was proceeding towards Chennai Central.

As the brake failed, the driver, Elumalai, lost control and hit the heavy iron pole near the signal. In the impact, the signboard standing across the road carrying directions fell on the bus.

Eight persons, including driver Elumalai and conductor Ilangovan, were injured. Among the passengers of the bus, Krishnammal, Deepa, Geetha, Prema and Srinivasan also suffered injuries. The board also fell on a two-wheeler, injuring the rider Subramani and the vehicle. All were rushed to Government Royapettah Hospital. The incident caused a lot of inconvenience among the commuters. Raju from Pazhavanthangal, who goes to work every day on his two-wheeler to Rajaji Salai said he got delayed by two hours.

Sources said that the signboard was not maintained properly, resulting in the accident. Maintenance of signboards comes under the Corporation. Later, a reach stacker was used to remove the board. Assistant Divisional Engineer (State Highways-city division) Chandrasekaran told DTNext that although Corporation had erected the board, it was now maintained by their department as it was on a state highway. “Since it comes under our jurisdiction of city limits, we have removed the fallen board,” he said.

Pondy Bazaar Traffic Investigation police have registered a case under Sections 279, 339 and 427 of the IPC against the driver for overspeeding and careless driving.