Tue Jun 24 11:05:19 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A drunk taxi driver, Manikandan, driving on the wrong side of the Maduravoyal-Tambaram bypass road in Chennai, India, caused a fatal accident on Monday night. He collided head-on with a taxi carrying Padmanabhan, his wife Indrani, and their pregnant daughter Deepika. Padmanabhan died at the scene, and Deepika died later in the hospital. Indrani was also injured. Manikandan has been arrested.
**News Article:**
**Drunk Driver Kills Pregnant Woman and Father in Chennai Bypass Accident**
**CHENNAI, June 24, 2025** – A devastating traffic accident on the Maduravoyal-Tambaram bypass road on Monday night claimed the lives of a 23-year-old pregnant woman and her father. The tragedy occurred when a taxi driver, identified as Manikandan, allegedly driving under the influence, drove on the wrong side of the road for approximately 10 kilometers before colliding head-on with another taxi.
The victims, Padmanabhan, his wife Indrani, and their daughter Deepika, were returning home from a birthday party in Ambattur. Padmanabhan died instantly at the scene. Deepika, who was pregnant, was rushed to a private hospital in Vanagaram but succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment. Indrani is reportedly injured and receiving medical care.
According to the Chromepet Traffic Investigation police, Manikandan was intoxicated and driving against traffic when the accident occurred. He has been arrested and is facing charges related to drunk driving and causing death by negligence.
Police have sent the bodies of Padmanabhan and Deepika to the Chromepet Government Hospital for post-mortem examination. The investigation is ongoing.