The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra’s Thane district has awarded a total compensation of Rs 45.48 lakh to the families of two drivers who died in a road accident involving a tanker and a truck in 2010, reported news agency PTI.
In two separate judgments delivered on March 5, copies of which became available on Thursday, the tribunal directed the owner of the offending truck and its insurer to jointly and severally pay the compensation amounts along with interest at 9 per cent per annum from the date the petitions were filed.
Fatal accident occurred near Shahapur in 2010
The accident took place on April 18, 2010, near Shahapur in Thane district. The victims, Rameshkumar Amarpal Singh (42) and Firoz Siddik Ahamad Shaikh (27), were transporting a tanker from Chembur in Mumbai to Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh, reported PTI.
According to the claims filed by the families, a truck moving ahead of the tanker suddenly applied its brakes without any warning or indication.
The sudden braking caused the tanker following behind to collide with the truck. The impact resulted in the hazardous material being transported in the tanker catching fire, leading to a massive blaze that killed both drivers, reported PTI.
Tribunal holds truck driver responsible
During the proceedings, the insurance company contested the claim, alleging negligence on the part of the tanker driver.
The insurer also raised objections regarding the delay in filing the compensation petitions, noting that the claims were registered only in 2020, nearly a decade after the accident.
However, the tribunal rejected these arguments after examining the available evidence and held the truck driver responsible for the accident, reported PTI.
The court observed that the abrupt braking of the truck without any signal created a dangerous situation on the road, which ultimately led to the fatal collision and fire.
Compensation awarded to families of both victims
After assessing the notional income of the deceased individuals and calculating the financial loss suffered by their dependents, the tribunal determined the compensation amounts payable to the families, reported PTI.
The tribunal awarded Rs 21.43 lakh to the widow and four children of Rameshkumar Amarpal Singh.
In the case of Firoz Siddik Ahamad Shaikh, the tribunal awarded Rs 24.05 lakh to his surviving family members, including his widow and mother, reported PTI.
Tribunal directs insurer to deposit compensation
Tribunal member R V Mohite directed the insurance company to deposit the compensation amounts within one month.
The order also specified that interest at 9 per cent per annum would be applicable from the date of the petitions until the payment is made.
The tribunal’s ruling aims to provide financial relief to the families of the victims, who lost their primary earning members in the accident that occurred nearly 16 years ago.
(With inputs from PTI)
