Tragedy Strikes Sabarimala Pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu
A sacred journey turned into a nightmare for a group of Ayyappa devotees when a fatal road accident claimed two lives in Tamil Nadu's Theni district. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, cutting short a spiritual padayatra (foot pilgrimage) to the famed Sabarimala temple.
Details of the Fatal Collision
According to police reports, a group of seven devotees from Andipatti were walking in two batches along the Theni–Cumbum road. Their pilgrimage was violently interrupted near Seelaiyampatti around 2.45 am.
A van, arriving from Dindigul district and reportedly speeding, lost control and rammed into two of the walking pilgrims. The impact was severe, resulting in fatal head injuries for both victims.
The deceased have been identified as Marichamy, aged 55, and Ramki, aged 36. Tragically, both men died on the spot before any medical aid could reach them.
Police Response and Investigation
Local authorities were immediately alerted and rushed to the accident site near Chinnamanur. The bodies of the two devotees were sent to the Govt Theni Medical College Hospital for a mandatory post-mortem examination.
Police have registered a case and taken swift action against the driver of the van. The arrested individual is Dhineshkumar, a 34-year-old resident of Vedasandur in Dindigul district. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the speeding and the collision.
This tragic event highlights the dangers faced by pedestrians, especially devotees on long night-time pilgrimages on busy state highways. It serves as a somber reminder for increased road safety vigilance, particularly during religious travel seasons.
