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Dharmapuri Ghat Road Horror: 4 Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash

A tragic multi-vehicle crash on Thoppur Ghat Road in Dharmapuri has left four people dead. The accident occurred when a lorry driver lost control and plowed into several other vehicles. Emergency services rushed the injured to the hospital, but one victim succumbed on the way. The crash caused a complete traffic standstill on the busy national highway for nearly two hours.

Key Points: 4 Killed in Thoppur Ghat Road Multi-Vehicle Crash Dharmapuri

  • A lorry carrying cattle fodder lost control while descending the dangerous Thoppur Ghat section
  • The crash involved a two-wheeler, a car, and two vans, causing a two-hour traffic jam
  • The lorry driver and two siblings on a bike were among the four killed instantly
  • District Collector and officials visited the accident-prone site to review safety measures
2 min read

TN: 4 killed, 3 injured in multi-vehicle crash in Dharmapuri

A lorry lost control on Thoppur Ghat Road, hitting multiple vehicles and killing four. The crash caused a major traffic standstill on the Salem-Dharmapuri highway.

"The lorry reportedly lost control of the steering wheel, causing the heavy vehicle to plough into a two-wheeler, a parcel van, a car, and another van. - Police Report"

Chennai, Dec 16

Four people were killed and at least three others sustained grievous injuries in a major road accident involving multiple vehicles on the Thoppur Ghat Road in Dharmapuri district on Tuesday, triggering a traffic standstill for nearly two hours.

According to the police, the accident occurred when a lorry transporting cattle fodder from Maharashtra to Namakkal district lost control while negotiating a stretch of the ghat road.

The lorry was driven by S. Muniappan (43), a resident of Nadukkarapatti in Namakkal district.

Police said that as the lorry was descending the Thoppur Ghat section, the driver reportedly lost control of the steering wheel, causing the heavy vehicle to plough into a two-wheeler, a parcel van, a car, and another van that were either moving slowly or caught in traffic ahead.

Muniappan sustained critical injuries in the collision and died on the spot. Two persons travelling on the two-wheeler — P. Arunagiri, a resident of Madhemangalam near Nallampalli in Dharmapuri district, and his sister V. Kalaiarasi, also from the same locality — were killed instantly after being hit by the lorry.

Four passengers travelling in one of the vans suffered grievous injuries and were rushed to the Dharmapuri Government Medical College Hospital by emergency services and police personnel.

However, one of the injured, P. Dinesh (30), a resident of Pethanaickenpalayam near Attur in Salem district, succumbed to injuries while being taken to the hospital, taking the death toll to four.

On receiving information about the accident, Dharmapuri District Collector R. Sadheesh, along with senior Transport Department officials, visited the accident site and conducted inquiries into the circumstances leading to the crash.

Officials also reviewed traffic management and emergency response measures at the ghat section, which has witnessed several accidents in the past. The impact of the collision led to a complete halt in vehicular movement along the busy Salem–Dharmapuri National Highway stretch.

Police personnel and highway authorities worked to remove the damaged vehicles and clear debris from the road.

Normal traffic flow was restored after nearly two hours.

The Thoppur police have registered a case and launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident, including possible mechanical failure or driver fatigue.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
This is so heartbreaking. A brother and sister just traveling together, gone in an instant. The human cost of our bad roads and overloaded vehicles is too high. The driver also lost his life. So many families shattered.
V
Vikram M
Driver fatigue is a major issue, especially for long-haul truckers like this one coming from Maharashtra. Companies push for faster deliveries without considering safety. The government must mandate stricter rest periods and install driver wellness checkpoints on such dangerous ghat sections.
A
Arjun K
While the immediate response by police and emergency services is commendable, it's reactive. We need proactive measures. Where are the CCTV cameras, the warning signs, the regular vehicle fitness checks for heavy vehicles? A thorough investigation is needed, but action is what we lack.
J
James A
Terrible news. The traffic standstill for two hours shows how vulnerable our key highways are. One accident can cripple an entire route. Infrastructure planning needs to include redundancy and better accident management protocols. Thoughts with all affected.
P
Priya S
Om Shanti. So many lives lost on a routine journey. It's a stark reminder for all of us on the road, whether in a car or on a two-wheeler, to be extra cautious, especially on ghat roads. Please, everyone, drive safely.

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