Helmet saves biker, but brother riding pillion dies

If is you needed proof on how much of a life-saver a helmet can be, here it is. Hiralal Morya (30) had a lucky escape yesterday when a speeding truck rammed his bike from behind at Cadbury Flyover in Thane. Fortunately for Hiralal, he was wearing a helmet, but his brother Ishwarchand (22), who was riding pillion, was not wearing one. Ishwarchand died of head injuries from the accident.

Life lost: Ishwarchand (below right) came to Mumbai 7 months ago. He was riding pillion with his brother Hiralal (below left) when a truck hit their bike (above)

The Morya brothers were on their way to Hiranandani in Thane where they had been hired as renovation contractors. They took the Eastern Express Highway from Vijay Nagar in Antop Hill and as they were crossing the Cadbury Flyover, a container truck struck the duo from behind. Cops from Naupada police station reached the spot on being informed by passers-by. Ishwarchand was rushed to Thane Civil Hospital in an ambulance. However, on the way he succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead on arrival.

u00a0Hiralal proceeded to lodge an FIR with the Naupada police station. PSI Archana Daundkar said, "The driver of the truck abandoned his vehicle and fled the scene. His identity and whereabouts are currently unknown. The vehicle is in police custody and the driver has been booked for negligent driving."

Ramsagar Morya, a friend of the brothers, said, "This was clearly not Hiralal's fault as they were riding perfectly in their lane. The truck driver has claimed a life." The two brothers are natives of Uttar Pradesh. Hiralal has been living in the city for the past decade and Ishwarchand arrived seven months ago. "It was Ishwar's idea to work as a renovation contractor. I accompanied him on his first day," said Hiralal. Ishwarchand's body has been sent for post-mortem. Doctors said since he was not wearing a helmet his brain suffered severe trauma and he lost a lot of blood.
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