Chennai: A tragic road accident on the Karur-Salem National Highway near Semmadai early Saturday morning resulted in four fatalities, including two children, and left more than 15 others with serious injuries.
The crash occurred around 5 a.m. when a private luxury bus traveling from Salem to Karur collided with a tractor that was ahead on the same route. The impact was severe enough to cause the bus to mount the central median and cross into the opposite lane, where it then struck an oncoming tourist van head-on, leading to a chain-reaction pile-up.
Police officials reported extensive damage to both vehicles, with many passengers trapped inside. Emergency services from Karur and Vangal police responded swiftly, extricating several victims using hydraulic cutters and rescue equipment.
The four victims, including two minors, died at the scene, and their bodies were taken to the hospital’s morgue for postmortem examinations. The injured were immediately hospitalized at the Government Medical College Hospital in Karur, with some critically injured patients transferred to private hospitals for specialized treatment.
Initial investigations suggest that overspeeding and low visibility due to early morning darkness may have contributed to the crash. Authorities also believe the bus driver might have lost control while attempting to overtake the tractor.
The incident caused a major traffic congestion that extended for several kilometers as authorities worked to clear the wreckage and restore normal flow. A case has been registered, and a detailed investigation is ongoing to determine liability and prevent future accidents.
Officials urged motorists to exercise caution, especially during early morning hours when visibility is poor, and to strictly follow speed limits to avoid such tragedies.