Elderly couple die as car crashes in Uthiramerur

Chennai: An elderly couple lost their lives and their son-in-law sustained injuries after their car veered off the road, following a tyre burst, and crashed into a tree near Uthiramerur on Tuesday evening.The deceased were identified as Varadhan, 85, a farmer and his wife Govindammal, 69, who were residents of Podavur village in Kancheepuram district. The couple was travelling with their younger son-in-law, Raman, 37, to attend a family function at Maduranthakam in Chengalpet district when the accident occurred. Police said that as they were nearing Thiruppulivanam village, the front left tyre of the car burst, causing Raman to lose control of the car. The car then veered off the road and crashed into a roadside palm tree. Varadhan, who was seated in the front passenger seat and Govindammal who was seated in the rear, died on the spot. On receiving information, Uthiramerur police rushed to the spot, rescued Raman, who injured minor injuries, and admitted him to the hospital. The bodies were sent to Chengalpet govt hospital for postmortem. A case was registered. Stressing the importance to maintain proper tyre pressure at all times, Rathnavel, an automobile engineer, said, "Both underinflation and overinflation can weaken tyres and increase the risk of failure. Motorists should regularly inspect tyres for embedded objects such as nails or glass, as well as for cracks and bulges. Drivers should also avoid potholes, sharp debris and sudden braking or acceleration, which put extra stress on tyres, and ensure proper wheel alignment."