NAMAKKAL: More than 20 passengers sustained injuries when a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus veered off the road and plunged into an agricultural field near Paraiyur in Namakkal district on Saturday. The incident occurred around midday when the bus, carrying approximately 45 passengers, was en route from Edappadi in Salem district to Kumarapalayam in Namakkal district.
Cause of the Accident
According to an officer at the Kumarapalayam police station, the driver, K Soundararajan, lost control of the vehicle due to an engine malfunction. The bus first struck the wall of a roadside canal before careening into the adjacent agricultural field. The impact caused several passengers to be thrown from their seats, resulting in injuries ranging from minor bruises to fractures.
Rescue and Medical Response
Local residents and police personnel from Kumarapalayam promptly rushed to the scene and began rescue operations. The injured were extricated from the bus and transported to the Kumarapalayam Government Hospital for treatment. Hospital sources confirmed that all injured passengers were stable and receiving medical care. Police have registered a case and are investigating the exact cause of the engine failure.
Broader Context
This accident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and vehicle maintenance in Tamil Nadu. The TNSTC operates a vast fleet of buses across the state, and periodic maintenance is crucial to prevent such incidents. The bus was reportedly not overloaded, and driver Soundararajan was cooperating with authorities. Further technical analysis of the bus is underway to determine if negligence played a role.
