CHENNAI: A 13-year-old competitor identified as Shreyas Hareesh died in an accident during a national bike racing competition. The incident occurred shortly after the start of the race at the Madras International Circuit in Chennai. He skidded while negotiating a turn on the first lap, after which his helmet fell off his head. A rider, who was behind the teenager, could not prevent a crash and ran over him, causing a nasty head injury.

His father Hareesh, a native of Bengaluru, was with him. Shreyas, who had a keen interest in motorcycles, trained for the competition from his young age.

He had won four matches in a row at national level. The tragedy happened while making preparations to participate in the competition that was to be held in Malaysia this month. The Madras Motor Sports Club cancelled today's and tomorrow's competitions.