Student’s death in accident on western bypass in Coimbatore triggers protest

A 22-year-old college student was killed in a road accident on the western bypass, triggering protests by local residents demanding enhanced safety measures.

V. Nirmala Devi of Arivoli Nagar died after the passenger autorickshaw she was travelling in was hit by a mini goods carrier at Arivoli Nagar junction on the bypass in the Madukkarai police station limits on Friday morning. Nirmala Devi, who was a student of a private college at Kovaipudur, died on the spot and two other passengers of the autorickshaw suffered injuries.

Citing recurrent accidents at the junction, over 100 people staged road blockade, demanding underpass or a flyover. The protest continued till evening.