Lucknow: A Class 12 student who was held for mowing down pedestrians and vehicles on Kanpur Road on Feb 12, killing a six-year-old boy, claimed during police questioning that the accident occurred due to brake failure.The accused is currently studying at a college in Alambagh. His father runs a cement and iron rod business in Banthra.
According to the father of the accused, the boy attended a college farewell party and later stopped at a ‘dhaba’ with friends for tea. A classmate was in the car when he resumed driving.“A short distance ahead, the brakes failed. I tried to stop the car, but it wouldn’t halt. It first hit a trolley and then a tempo. I tried to avoid an e-rickshaw and bikers, but the car became uncontrollable,” the accused told the police.He claimed the vehicle finally stopped after colliding with a tractor, and that he fled in panic after seeing the crowd gathering.The car was seized and sent for mechanical inspection to verify his claim of brake failure. Officials said further action would depend on the mechanical report and other evidence.Meanwhile, the regional transport office suspended his driving licence for six months.
