At least 20 people were injured after an omni bus rammed into a stationary cement mixer lorry near Kovilpatti in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, police said.
According to initial reports, the accident occurred on a highway stretch when the bus, carrying passengers, failed to notice the cement mixer lorry parked on the roadside and collided with it. The impact of the crash left several passengers with injuries, some of them serious.
Local residents and passersby rushed to the spot immediately after the accident and helped in rescuing the injured from the damaged bus. Emergency services were alerted, and ambulances arrived shortly thereafter to transport the victims to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Police officials said that most of the injured sustained fractures, cuts, and bruises, while a few are reported to be in critical condition. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be confirmed, but preliminary findings suggest possible negligence or reduced visibility as contributing factors.
Authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. Efforts are underway to determine whether the lorry was properly parked with adequate warning signals and if the bus driver was adhering to safety norms at the time of the crash.
The collision led to temporary traffic disruption in the area, with vehicles being diverted until the damaged bus and lorry were cleared from the road. Police personnel were deployed to manage the situation and restore normal traffic flow.
Road accidents involving parked heavy vehicles have been a recurring concern in several parts of the country, often raising questions about road safety compliance and enforcement. Officials have reiterated the importance of using proper hazard indicators and reflective signs, especially on highways, to prevent such mishaps.
Further updates on the condition of the injured passengers are awaited as the investigation continues.
