Irani in a spot after children contradict her claim

New Delhi, Mar 7: HRD Minister Smriti Irani was today in a spot when the children of a doctor killed in an accident on the Yamuna Expressway on Saturday night contradicted her claim that she had tried to help the injured and ensure they reached hospital.

On Saturday night, Irani escaped with minor injuries after her vehicle and her escort vehicle had rammed into a vehicle that had allegedly hit a motor cycle killing one Dr Ramesh Nagar and injuring his daughter Sandali and nephew Pankaj.

However, the minister's office said in a statement today that the vehicle mentioned in the media reports of having hit the motorcycle had nothing to do with Irani's cavalcade and that she had directed SSP, Mathura, to arrange ambulance immediately so that injured could be given medical treatment at the earliest.

Commenting on the accident, SSP Mathura, Rakesh Singh said the minister's car had nothing to do with the accident involving the motorcycle.

"The bike was hit by a Honda City (car). Two other cars also hit it. Then came Smriti Irani's pilot car. The minister reached the spot 7-8 minutes after the accident. She got out and called our control room for help," said Rakesh Singh.

In a series of tweets immediately after the accident, Irani had said, "For all enquiring re my accident-I'm fine. Thank you for the concern and wishes."

"There was a pile up of vehicles due to an accident on the expressway. Unfortunately the police vehicle before mine & my car also crashed "Tried to help the injured who were lying on the road for quiet sometime and ensured they reach a hospital.

Pray for their safety," she said in another tweet. "Good Samaritan Manoj Chopra and his wife also helped injured citizens. God bless them for their empathy and kindness," she added.

PTI