Four dead in multi-vehicle collision in Tamil Nadu

IANS May 17, 2025 317 views

A devastating multi-vehicle collision on the Karur-Salem National Highway resulted in four fatalities, including two children, and left more than 15 people seriously injured. The accident occurred when a luxury bus collided with a tractor and subsequently crashed into a tourist van during low visibility early morning conditions. Emergency services quickly responded, using specialized equipment to rescue trapped passengers and transport them to local hospitals. Authorities are investigating potential causes, including overspeeding and poor visibility, while appealing for increased road safety awareness.

"Preliminary inquiries suggest overspeeding and reduced visibility may have contributed to the accident" - Local Police Report
Chennai, May 17: Four people, including two children, were killed and more than 15 others sustained serious injuries in a road accident on the Karur-Salem National Highway near Semmadai in the early hours of Saturday.

Key Points

1

Luxury bus collided with tractor triggering fatal head-on crash

2

Rescue teams used hydraulic equipment to extricate trapped passengers

3

Accident occurred around 5 am with low visibility conditions

4

Multiple passengers referred to hospital for critical care

The incident occurred around 5 a.m. when a private luxury bus, travelling from Salem to Karur, collided with a tractor moving ahead on the same carriageway.

The force of the impact caused the bus to mount the central median and veer onto the opposite lane. In a matter of seconds, it rammed head-on into an oncoming tourist van, triggering a pile-up.

Police said the crash caused extensive damage to the bus and the van, trapping many passengers inside. Fire and Rescue Services personnel from the Karur station, along with Vangal police, launched a swift rescue operation.

Several passengers were extricated from the mangled remains of the vehicles using hydraulic cutters and other equipment.

Four people, including two minors, died on the spot. The injured were immediately shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Karur.

A few critically injured passengers were later referred to private hospitals in the district for specialised care.

The bodies of the deceased were sent to the hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations.

Preliminary inquiries suggest that overspeeding and reduced visibility during early morning hours may have contributed to the accident.

Officials also suspect the bus driver may have lost control while attempting to overtake the tractor.

The tragic incident led to significant traffic disruption on the busy highway, with a backlog of vehicles stretching several kilometres.

Police and highway maintenance staff worked for several hours to remove the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow.

A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to determine liability and prevent similar incidents.

Authorities have appealed to motorists to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits, especially during early morning hours when visibility is low.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Heartbreaking news! 😢 Our highways have become death traps due to reckless driving. Why can't bus operators enforce strict speed limits? Those poor children... my prayers with all affected families. TN government must take concrete steps.
P
Priya M.
This is the 3rd major accident on Salem-Karur highway this year! The median barriers are too low and road markings fade within months. Proper infrastructure maintenance could prevent such tragedies. Also, why are tractors allowed on national highways during peak hours?
A
Arvind S.
As someone who frequently travels this route, I've seen bus drivers racing each other at 5am like it's Formula 1. Transport department should install speed cameras and cancel licenses permanently for violations. Enough of these 'awareness campaigns' - we need strict action!
S
Saranya V.
The real heroes are the Fire & Rescue personnel who worked in such difficult conditions. 🙏 But why does it take accidents like these for authorities to wake up? We need emergency medical posts every 50km on highways with proper trauma care facilities.
K
Karthik N.
While driver error is primary cause, we must also question bus design standards. In developed countries, coaches have better crash protection. Our transport ministry should mandate safety features like seatbelts, stronger chassis and emergency exits.
M
Meena R.
So painful to read about the children... 😔 As a mother, I can't imagine their parents' grief. We need better laws - make bus companies financially liable for accidents caused by their drivers' negligence. Only hitting their pockets will bring real change.

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Tags:
Tamil Nadu Road Accident Highway Collision Karur Salem National Highway Traffic Safety Road Rescue