22-year-old crushed to death, friend battles for life in Uluberia

KOLKATA: A 22-year-old youth was killed while his friend sustained serious injuries after meeting with a road accident at Howrah's Uluberia on Sunday morning.

Police said both the victims were on a motorcycle without helmets. The accident occurred at around 6:15 am near Beltala area on the NH 6. The deceased has been identified as Animesh Chowdhury (22), who was riding the bike while his friend Tapan Das was riding pillion.

According to police, both the victims were residents of Rishra in Hooghly. They were going to Uluberia from Hooghly riding the motorcycle on Sunday. While passing through the Beltala area, the bike skidded off the road and they fell on the ground. They were run over by a loaded truck coming from behind. Chowdhury died on the spot while Das sustained severe injuries. The latter has been fighting for his life at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. Eyewitnesses told the police that the bike was running at a high speed when it suddenly skidded. The truck driver failed to stop the loaded truck as the youth suddenly came in front of the vehicle. The vehicle eventually crushed Chowdhury to death while critically injured the other.

Locals took part in the rescue operation. Das was immediately taken to Uluberia Sub-divisional hospital and was later shifted to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital as his condition deteriorated. After being informed, police reached and sent Chowdhury's body for post-mortem. None of them was wearing helmets, police said. The incident led to traffic congestion on the National Highway 6. The truck driver has, however, fled the spot along with the vehicle. Police have started a probe. They are conducting raids to nab the truck driver who has been at large since the accident.