Four killed as car rams stationary lorry

The deceased were identified as Arulappan (30) — assistant Parish Priest at Saleth Madha Church at Kodaikanal, Sahayaraj — former DMK councillor in Kodaikanal, Sesuraj and Micheal from Kodaikanal. They were returning from Sivakasi and proceeding to Kodaikanal when their SUV hit the stationary lorry from behind at Pandiyarajapuram. In the accident, all four died on the spot while driver Mark, who raised an alarm, was rescued by the villagers and sent to a nearby hospital for treatment. After first-aid, he was sent to Madurai GRH. 

Nilakottai DSP Suruliandi inspected the accident spot and carried out investigation. Ammainayakanur police have booked a case and are investigating the incident. Police said that 150th year celebration of Saleth Madha Church festival is scheduled on August 14 and 15 and the flag hoisting ceremony was scheduled  on July 31. “They had gone to order fire crackers for the festival at Sivakasi and were returning to Kodaikanal,” said Police.