At least eleven people were killed and nearly forty injured after two government buses crashed head-on near Thirupathur in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district on Sunday, officials reported. Earlier estimates had put the death toll at seven, but authorities revised the figure upwards once rescue operations were complete.
Police said that the accident took place on a highway stretch near Thirupathur, with one bus travelling towards Karaikudi and the other heading for Madurai. The impact of the accident was such that it crushed front sections of both vehicles. Several passengers were trapped inside. Locals and emergency teams managed to extract the survivors, who were then quickly transported to Sivagangai Government Hospital.
Hospital authorities confirmed that over twenty injured passengers are currently receiving treatment, with some remaining in a serious condition.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin responded to the tragedy on X. He said that he was "deeply shocked and pained" to learn that eleven people had lost their lives. "I immediately contacted the District Collector and District In-Charge Minister Thiru KR Periyakaruppan, instructing them to rush to the accident site and ensure that the affected individuals receive appropriate high-quality medical treatment," he posted, offering his condolences to the victims' families and wishing the injured a quick recovery.
Police are investigating the cause of the accident, as a result traffic flow on the route is still partially restricted.
Also read: Cyclone Ditwah heads to Tamil Nadu-Puducherry, red alert issued
Follow us
