Mercedes driver runs over pedestrian, rams into Volvo near Mahalaxmi racecourse

The driver of a speeding Mercedes was arrested after he ran over a pedestrian and rammed into another vehicle near Mahalaxmi racecourse on Monday night.

According to officials, the incident took place at the gate of Mahalaxmi racecourse near Haji Ali around 9 pm yesterday when the pedestrian, identified as Rajendra Prasad Ram, was caught unaware by the oncoming vehicle while crossing the road.

Rajendra reportedly froze mid-way after spotting the vehicle, prompting the driver of the speeding Mercedes, Chaitanya Lalit Adani, to swerve right. Unfortunately, the pedestrian also stepped back the same time in the hope of avoiding it, resulting in a fatal collision.

After running over the man, a shocked Chaitanya tried to bring the car to a halt but ended up ramming it into a Volvo that was coming from the opposite side of the road.

The impact caused the Volvo to crash into a slab of concrete on the boundary wall of the racecourse.

Following the mishap, a few bystanders rushed Rajendra to Nair Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries later. Chaitanya and the driver of the Volvo also sustained injuries, but are reportedly out of danger.

Officials, who arrived at the spot shortly after the accident, took Chaitanya into custody. He was taken to Tardeo police station, where a case under relevant sections of the IPC and Motor Vehicles Act was registered against him.

A medical test was conducted to ascertain if he was driving under the influence, the results of which are still awaited. The Mercedes, owned by Chaitanya himself, has also been impounded.

The deceased, who worked as a carpenter, was returning to his home in Borivali after completing a job in Tardeo. His family has been notified about his demise.

The Volvo, meanwhile, is reportedly owned by the Biyani family, who runs Big Bazaar. It was being driven by their driver at the time of mishap.