The death toll in the tragic road accident involving a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation bus near Ariyanoor in Salem district rose to seven on Thursday, with authorities confirming additional casualties as more details emerged. The accident has sent shockwaves across the region due to the loss of entire families, including young children.
According to police sources, the government bus was travelling from Coimbatore towards Salem along a busy highway stretch when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle near Ariyanoor. The bus veered off its lane, crossed the median, and entered the opposite carriageway. In a matter of seconds, it collided with a two-wheeler and a tempo that were coming from the opposite direction.
The impact of the crash was devastating. A woman and her daughter, who were travelling on the two-wheeler, died on the spot. In the tempo, five members of the same family were killed. The victims included an 11-month-old baby and a five-year-old girl, highlighting the severity and emotional toll of the accident. The tempo was reportedly crushed under the force of the collision, leaving little chance for survival.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic, with bystanders rushing to rescue the injured and alert emergency services. Police and rescue teams quickly reached the accident site and began relief operations. The bodies of the deceased were recovered and sent to the Salem Government Hospital for post-mortem examinations.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the bus may have been travelling at high speed when the driver lost control. However, officials have not ruled out other possibilities such as mechanical failure or driver fatigue. Authorities are also examining the condition of the road and vehicle to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Senior police officials stated that a detailed inquiry is under way and that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.
