Kolkata: A 31-year-old app-bike driver died and his 21-year-old passenger was critically injured after their bike crashed into a metro pillar on EM Bypass near Ruby crossing early on Wednesday.Police said the accident happened around 7.35 am near Hemanta Mukhopadhyay Metro Station. The rider, Shahnawaz Hussain of Tangra, was declared dead at MR Bangur Hospital. The passenger, Suruchi Sharma of Panchanangram, was admitted to Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital with serious injuries.Police said neither of them was wearing a helmet. Early findings suggest the bike was moving at high speed when the rider lost control and hit metro pillar number 131. No other vehicle has been confirmed to be involved so far.Investigators are checking CCTV footage from nearby areas to understand how the crash happened. They are also looking into whether the bike skidded, the rider lost control, or another vehicle played any role.Traffic police said the incident shows the need for riders and passengers to wear helmets and follow road safety rules. They also said app-bike riders are often found violating traffic rules such as speeding, rash driving, and breaking one-way restrictions.A case has been registered, and the investigation is continuing.
