6 killed in head-on bus crash in Tamil Nadu, CM Stalin announces compensation

As many as six people died as two private buses collided head-on in Tamil Nadu's Tenkasi on Monday. According to Tamil Nadu police, overspeeding and negligent driving by one of the bus drivers led to the fatal accident.

The accident occurred near Idaikal in Tenkasi district on Monday morning.   Six passengers, including five women,  died at the accident site itself.  Police, fire and rescue personnel rushed to the spot and conducted a rescue operation. According to police, while one bus was travelling from Madurai towards Senkottai, the other was coming from Tenkasi towards Kovilpatti/Sankarankovil.

Police have collected CCTV visuals from the premises to ascertain the actual cause of the accident. Police have also recorded eyewitness accounts. 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condoled the deaths and said he advised authorities to take necessary measures to ensure treatment for the injured. Stalin said he immediately contacted the Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran and instructed him to rush to the scene. "I have ordered the district collector to go to the government hospital and ensure proper high-quality treatment for the injured," Stalin said.

The chief minister also announced solatium of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased, and Rs 1 lakh each to those who are seriously injured and undergoing treatment in the hospital, and Rs 50,000 each to those who are slightly injured and undergoing treatment in the hospital from the Chief Minister's General Relief Fund. 

AIADMK General Secretary Edapaddi K Palaniswami also condoled the incident. He also wished those who are undergoing treatment in the hospital a full recovery.