Toll in bus-truck collision near Madurai rises to 16

The casualty figure rose to 16 after two bus passengers succumbed to their injuries at the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) overnight, official sources said on Sunday.

Fourteen people were killed and 41 others injured, when the cement-laden truck rammed into the bus at Subbulapuram Vilakku near T Kallupatti, about 50 kms from Madurai. The government bus was proceeding to Kumili from Tirunelveli, while the truck was going to Ariyankaavu from Karur, when the gory accident occurred. 

The impact was severe that the front portion of both the vehicles were mangled beyond recognition. Ten people, including the drivers of bus and truck were killed on the spot and four others succumbed to injuries at the government hospital. 

Thirty seven persons were undergoing treatment at GRH, while four others were admitted to the government hospital at Peraiyur and a private hospital at Theni.

Though a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident is underway, a senior police officer quoting eye-witnesses and injured passengers said the truck came in high speed on the wrong side. 

Meanwhile, State Health Minister Dr C Vijaya Baskar, Minister for Cooperation Sellur K Raju, Minister for Transport and Industries P Thangamani, District Collector K Veera Raghava Rao and Madurai City Corporation Mayor VV Rajan Chellappa visited the GRH this morning and enquired about the health condition of the injured people.

Mr Baskar said all the required medical treatment would be provided to the injured people. He also consoled the families of deceased people. 

While the government has announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh for the bereaved families, DMDK chief has demanded that the ex gratia should be at least Rs 3 lakhs. TMC leader GK Vasan too has stressed that the compensation allocated is not enough.