School Bus Overturns in High-Impact Collision with Lorry Near Sathirakudi
A private school bus carrying 40 people, including 37 students, two teachers, and the driver, overturned after a severe collision with a lorry on the Madurai-Rameswaram National Highway near Sathirakudi in Ramanathapuram district on Tuesday morning. The incident resulted in minor injuries to 19 individuals, primarily students, who were promptly treated and discharged from the hospital.
Details of the Accident
According to police reports, the bus was traveling on the national highway after picking up students from nearby villages en route to the school at Sathirakudi. As the bus attempted to take a left turn from the highway to enter the school premises, a speeding lorry loaded with gravel stone rammed into its rear. The high-impact collision caused the bus to overturn, leading to chaos and injuries among the occupants.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
Local residents and commuters quickly rushed to the accident site to assist in rescuing the students from the overturned vehicle. The injured were immediately transported in ambulances to the Ramanathapuram Government Medical College Hospital for medical attention. The collision also brought traffic on the national highway to a temporary standstill, causing disruptions for a period of time.
Investigation and Legal Actions
Sathirakudi police have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. They arrested the lorry driver, identified as Suresh, aged 31, and registered a case against him. In a significant development, the Ramanathapuram Regional Transport Office (RTO) has written a letter to the Aruppukottai RTO recommending the suspension of the lorry driver's driving license. District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon confirmed this action to the media, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.
Medical Treatment and Outcomes
The bus driver, two teachers, and 16 students sustained minor bleeding injuries in the accident. All of them received necessary medical treatment at the hospital and were subsequently discharged, indicating that the injuries were not life-threatening. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure the well-being of all affected individuals.
