In a tragic incident in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district, a private bus careened off the road, plunging into a deep 50-feet trench, resulting in the loss of five lives and leaving 45 others wounded. Initial investigations suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle near the treacherous 13th hairpin bend, leading to its fatal descent down the rugged terrain.
Among the deceased are S Karthik, aged 37, hailing from Salem; C Muneeswaran, a 10-year-old from Tiruchengode in Namakkal district; K Hariram, aged 57, from Kannankurichi in Salem district; and R Madhu, aged 60, from Salem city. Another victim remains unidentified at present, while over 20 individuals with grave injuries have been rushed to Salem Government General Hospital for urgent medical attention.
The ill-fated bus was en route from Nagalur to Salem via Yercaud when tragedy struck unexpectedly at hairpin bend 13, causing the driver, Janardhanan, aged 33, to lose control. Prompt response from Salem Superintendent of Police, Arun Kabilan, and MLA R Rajendran facilitated swift rescue operations at the accident site.
Expressing his condolences, Chief Minister MK Stalin conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved families through X (formerly known as T), promising compensation pending approval from the Election Commission of India.
In the wake of the tragedy, Salem District Collector R Brindha Devi has ordered stringent monitoring of vehicle speeds, particularly those exceeding the prescribed limit of 30 kmph. She has directed authorities to crack down on traffic violators and urged the traffic police to enforce strict penalties against offenders.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State L Murugan took to X to extend his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families, urging the Tamil Nadu government to ensure adequate compensation for the victims and the injured.
