GOVT BUS CRASHES INTO DRY RIVER CHANNEL, 20 INJURED
The bus was carrying more than 30 passengers from Tenkasi to Tirunelveli when the accident occurred on the Tirunelveli-Tenkasi four-lane road near Azad Nagar. Kuttralam police and Tenkasi Fire and Rescue Services personnel joined the rescue operation and shifted the injured in 108 ambulances. Police said the driver, Sivashakthi, then lost control, causing the bus to breach the roadside barrier and overturn into the Azhagukanni river channel below.
The bus had left Tenkasi New Bus Stand around 7am and was approaching Vettaikaran Kulam when passengers reportedly heard an unusual sound from the vehicle. The channel had little water at the time, preventing the accident from becoming more serious. Motorists and residents rushed to the spot and helped passengers out before emergency teams arrived. The operation was supervised by Kuttralam Inspector Pachaimmal and sub-inspectors Muthu Thilagar and Chinnathirai. Traffic movement was temporarily affected as rescue personnel and vehicles occupied part of the carriageway. A JCB and crane were later brought in to remove the overturned bus. Kuttralam police registered a case and are investigating whether a mechanical fault, driver fatigue or another factor caused the crash. The vehicle is also being examined for possible technical defects.