Omni bus plunges into river after hitting bike, two killed

Two persons were killed after a private omni bus lost control, hit a motorcycle and plunged into a river near Thakkalai in Kanniyakumari district on Monday.
The bus, which was operating from Bengaluru to Kollam via Nagercoil, had dropped passengers in Nagercoil and was proceeding towards Thiruvananthapuram with 28 passengers. While passing through Kumarakovil near Thakkalai, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The bus rammed into an oncoming motorcycle before veering off the road and falling into a nearby river.
Vijay, 28, of Chittaral, and Suresh, 41, of Paingulam near Pudukkadai, who were on the motorcycle, died on the spot. Vijay is survived by his pregnant wife, while Suresh is survived by his wife and a five-year-old son.
Passengers trapped inside the bus raised an alarm, following which local residents rushed to the scene and began rescue efforts.
Personnel from the Thakkalai Fire and Rescue Services broke open the rear emergency exit and rescued all 28 passengers, including the driver. Those injured sustained minor injuries and were admitted to the Thakkalai Government Hospital.
District Collector Azhagu Meena and Superintendent of Police Stalin inspected the spot. Thakkalai police have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the accident.