Six labourers die,nine hurt as truck turns turtle

The truck registered in Andhra Pradesh was carrying 14 labourers and 25 pipes used in construction of borewells to Vikramgad in Thane from Nashik.

The speeding driver lost control trying to negotiate the turn in Torangan Ghat around 3 pm.

“The driver was unable to negotiate the turn and part of the vehicle went off the road. The pipes in the rear of the truck were not tied. Eleven labourers were seated next to the pipes and three in driver’s cabin. As the truck overturned,the pipes fell on the 11,” said Ramarao Mamunkar,senior inspector,Vikramgad police station.

Police said the casualties would have been higher had the vehicle fallen off the cliff,a drop of at least 50 metres. While two labourers died on the spot,four were declared dead at Nashik Civil Hospital. Nine others,including the driver,are being treated for serious injuries.

Mamunkar said the driver was not under the influence of alcohol. “We have taken a sample of blood for testing,but prima facie it appears he wasn’t drunk.”

Police said Torangan Ghat was an accident-prone spot,but it did not have caution signs.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com