A quiet Sunday evening turned into a tragic disaster in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district when two state-run buses collided head-on near Tirupattur, resulting in the immediate death of 11 people and leaving over 60 passengers injured.
The horrific accident occurred around 5:00 PM on Sunday near the Vivekananda Polytechnic College, under the Nachiyapuram police limits, on the main road connecting Tirupattur and Karaikudi. Both buses belonged to the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC). One was traveling from Kangeyam to Karaikudi, and the other was operating on the Karaikudi–Dindigul route.
High-Impact Crash and Rescue Efforts
The force of the head-on collision was severe, completely crushing the front portions of both vehicles and trapping numerous passengers inside the mangled wreckage.
- Victims: Initial reports confirmed that 11 people died, including nine women, one man, and the driver of one of the buses, identified as P. Sendrayan. Eight individuals succumbed to their injuries on the spot, while three others died after being rushed to the Tirupattur Government Hospital.
- Injured: Police and district officials confirmed that over 60 passengers sustained injuries, with estimates placing the seriously injured at around 33. The injured were quickly transported via a fleet of ambulances to multiple state-run facilities, including the Karaikudi Government Hospital, Tirupattur GH, and Sivaganga Government Medical College Hospital.
- Local Assistance: Local residents rushed to the scene immediately after the crash, assisting police and Fire and Rescue Services teams in the crucial initial hours of the rescue operation.
Investigation and Compensation Announced
Initial investigations suggest a possible cause for the crash on the straight stretch of highway was one of the bus drivers swerving—possibly to avoid hitting a pedestrian crossing the state highway—and consequently veering into the path of the oncoming vehicle. Police have registered a case and are investigating driver error and speed as potential factors.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin expressed his deep shock and grief over the accident. He announced immediate relief measures:
- Ex-Gratia: ₹3 lakh each for the families of the deceased.
- Serious Injuries: ₹1 lakh each for those with grievous injuries.
- Minor Injuries: ₹50,000 each for persons who sustained minor injuries.
The Chief Minister has directed the District Collector and the Minister in-charge for the district to ensure that all affected persons receive high-quality medical treatment.
This tragedy comes just days after a similar head-on collision between two buses in the Tenkasi district claimed six lives, underscoring the urgent need for heightened road safety measures across the state.
