Date:08/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/08/stories/2005040816430500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Water tanker knocks down motorcyclist

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, APRIL 7. A 21-year-old youth, Kalyan, was killed when a water tanker, declared `unfit' by the Road Transport Authorities, knocked down the motorcycle he was riding near Trinethra Supermarket at Marredpally on Thursday.

The accident occurred when the tanker driver, Chinnaiah, reportedly lost control and hit the motorcycle, the Marredpally police said. The driver pleaded ignorance about the vehicle's condition saying his owner had asked him to operate the vehicle.

The vehicle had been declared `unfit' to ply on the road during the recent inspection of water tankers by the RTA and the traffic police. Officials found the vehicle's engine and brake system weak, the RTA Joint Commissioner, C.L.N. Gandhi, said. It did not have tail lamps or flash lights either.

Asked as to how the vehicle was allowed to ply despite being declared unfit, Mr. Gandhi said the vehicle had been released for repairs. "Unfortunately, the vehicle owner misused the opportunity given to him," he observed.