Tamil Nadu: 11 killed, 60 injured after 2 passenger buses collide near Kummangudi in Shivganga

New Delhi: In a tragic incident reported from Tamil Nadu, 2 government buses collided head-on, near Kummangudi in Shivganga district. The accident caused 11 deaths and left 60 people injured. According to the police, the accident happened on Sunday evening.

The accident happened in the Tirupattur area, some 5 kilometres away from Pillaiyarpatti. Of the 2 buses involved in the crash, one was travelling from Tiruppur to Karaikudi, while the other was going from Karaikudi towards Dindigul district, said news reports.

This is the second major bus accident reported from the state. Just last week six people were killed in Tenkasi district after two private buses rammed into each other. At the time, investigators had said that reckless driving by one of the bus drivers had caused the accident. 

The police confirmed the death of 11 people, including a child. Rescue efforts were first started by the locals in the area. They helped pull out several injured people from the mangled remains of the bus, said officials.

Passengers could be seen climbing out of the damaged buses. Pictures showed an injured woman sitting by the roadside, blood dripping out of her head. Another one could be seen jumping off the front of the bus. The driver's side of one of the buses was completely ripped off, said eyewitnesses. This showed the severity of the accident, they added.

Emergency teams reached the spot after getting information and moved the injured passengers to hospital. So far there is no word on what exactly caused the accident, and an official reason for this is expected to be released post the investigation is complete. The report about the condition of those injured and in hospital is also awaited.

Following the incident, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin expressed condolences for those who lost their lives in the bus accident. In a post on 'X' he said, "Upon learning the heartbreaking news that 11 people lost their lives in an accident near Thirupathur in Sivaganga District, I was deeply shocked and pained.While expressing my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident, I also wish for a speedy recovery for those who have been injured."

He also said that he had spoken to the District Collector of the area and District In-Charge Minister Thiru KR Periyakaruppan regarding the accident. He said that they had been instructed to rush to the accident site and ensure that the affected individuals receive appropriate high-quality medical treatment.

Apart from these administrative measures, the CM also announced an ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to the people severely injured in the accident and Rs 50,000 to passengers with minor injuries.