Merc rams into auto in Kurla

Mumbai Mirror Bureau

A Mercedes Benz driver rammed his car into an autorickshaw in Kurla after he lost control of the car because of an unmarked speed breaker early on Sunday. The autorickshaw driver sustained injuries on his arm and back after his vehicle toppled over due to the impact.

The accident occurred at around 1:15 am at the end of the CST Bridge in Kurla. The rickshaw driver has been identified as Ram Yadav, 48, while the owner of the Mercedes has been identified as Neil Kothari, 24.

A police official from the Kurla police station said that both the vehicles were heading from Santacruz to Chembur. “Both the vehicles were driving close to each other. At the end of the bridge, there is an unmarked divider. The rickshaw driver is a local and was aware that there is a speed breaker at the spot and thus slowed down. However, the driver of the Mercedes was driving fast and did not notice the speed breaker,” said the official.

The official added when Kothari lost control of the car, he rammed the vehicle into the right side of the rickshaw, injuring its driver. The police reported that the impact of the car caused the rickshaw to completely topple over.

“The owner himself rushed the rickshaw driver to Noor Hospital where he was treated for his injuries. He also paid for his treatment and then came to Kurla police station and surrendered, taking responsibility for the accident,” added the official.

Kothari was booked by the Kurla police on charges of rash and negligent driving, causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others and mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees.

The police said that when Kothari came to the police station, he was scared and sweating profusely which led them to doubt that he may be under the influence of alcohol. He was sent for a medical examination. “We are awaiting the medical reports to be certain if he was drunk. So far, we have not added charges of drink-driving in the case. We will do so if the medical reports confirm it,” said the official.

Kothari was produced before the holiday court on Sunday and released on bail.