An auto driver died in a road accident in Burrabazar early on Tuesday morning when his autorickshaw collided with a private car on the MG Road and Kalakar Street crossing.

Police said the incident happened close to 1am on Tuesday. The autorickshaw was empty except the driver, who was returning home.

The driver identified as Gautam Manna, 54, of Joy Narayan Chandra Lane was taken to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital with multiple injuries where he was declared dead.

Officers of Burrabazar police station seized the private car and arrested the driver under charges of causing death due to negligence, rash and negligent driving and mischief.

Officers of the traffic department said the crossing where the accident took place usually remains congested during the day but was deserted early on Tuesday morning. “It is apparent that both the vehicles were moving at a high speed,” said an officer.

Police officers said the majority of the motorists end up speeding on empty stretches and often fail to control the speed when a vehicle suddenly appears in front of them.