Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Escapes Unharmed After High-Speed Tyre Puncture
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin had a narrow escape on Wednesday afternoon when a tyre on his car suddenly deflated while the vehicle was travelling at a high speed on a national highway. The incident occurred on the busy Dindigul-Madurai four-lane stretch, but the CM emerged completely unhurt thanks to the swift actions of his security detail and driver.
Details of the Highway Incident
The incident took place around 1:30 PM on Wednesday near the Thanakkankulam area. Chief Minister Stalin was returning from a government function in Dindigul district and was en route to the Madurai airport to catch a flight to Chennai. His car was part of a convoy cruising on the highway.
As the CM's car approached the Koothiyarkundu junction, the front left tyre experienced a sudden deflation. Notably, the vehicle was moving at a speed of nearly 150 kilometres per hour at the time of the incident. Despite the high-speed tyre failure, the driver managed to maintain control of the vehicle.
The car dragged for approximately 20 metres on the deflated tyre before the driver could safely steer it to the roadside and bring it to a complete stop. This quick thinking prevented any potential loss of control or a more serious accident.
Swift Response and Safe Continuation of Journey
Following the safe stop, the security protocol was immediately activated. Chief Minister Stalin was promptly shifted to another vehicle that was part of his travel convoy. The transition was handled smoothly and without any delay.
The alternate car then proceeded to the Madurai airport, from where the Chief Minister took his scheduled flight to Chennai. The entire episode, while alarming, did not disrupt the CM's travel plans or cause any injuries.
Local police confirmed the sequence of events and stated that an investigation into the exact cause of the tyre deflation is likely. The incident highlights the importance of vehicle maintenance and security protocols for VVIP convoys, especially during high-speed travel on Indian highways.
The safe outcome underscores the efficiency of the Chief Minister's security team and the driver's skill in handling a critical vehicular malfunction under dangerous conditions.
