Coimbatore: In a freak incident, a 40-year-old man was buried alive, when a gravel-laden tipper lorry fell on him, while negotiating a curve on Chettipalayam Junction on the outskirts of Coimbatore yesterday.

According to police, Palanisamy, a cobbler, was standing near a bakery at the junction, when the lorry coming on the Palladam-Velanthavalam Road suddenly overturned and fell on him. When the gravel came down from the vehicle, Palanisamy was caught under it, and was buried alive, even as some of his limbs were severed.

The lorry was removed, and his body was unearthed from under the gravel by an earth mover.

Angered over the incident, a larger number of residents in the area squatted on the road and staged picketing, demanding that a speed breaker be erected to prevent the frequent accidents. Senior police officials rushed to the spot and managed to convince the agitators, who dispersed later.

The police took the lorry driver, Chandra into custody, and further investigations are on.