Salem: Eight people died in a horrific road accident that occurred near Ariyanur near Utthamasolapuram on the Salem National Highway in Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus lost control and collided with oncoming vehicles.
The bus, which was travelling from Coimbatore towards Salem with more than 40 passengers, veered off its lane, crossed the median divider and entered the oncoming road. CCTV footage shows the bus directly colliding with a tempo-type cargo auto and a two-wheeler coming on the opposite road.
More than 10 people from the same family were travelling in the cargo auto. It is said that they were returning after completing a program.
The deceased have been identified as Selvaraj, Murugan, Amuda, Manikandan, Irusai, Sathya (Manikandan’s wife), five-year-old Nidisha and 11-month-old Jeevuka. The condition of both is said to be critical.
Several others were injured and are being treated at a nearby hospital. It is learnt that the passengers in the bus sustained minor injuries.
The police have registered a case and started investigation. A preliminary inquiry is underway to ascertain whether the accident occurred due to speeding or mechanical failure due to which the driver lost control.
Reacting to the incident, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami expressed deep grief. He alleged that the constant accidents in government buses indicate a lack of maintenance.
He expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.