3 killed, 50 hurt as buses collide in Vandavasi

TIRUVANNAMALAI: Three persons were killed and 50 others were injured when a government and private bus collided head-on near Vandavasai early on Wednesday.

The government bus driven by Mathiyazhagan (53) left Vellore and was bound for Tindivanam through Cheyyar and the private bus driven by Thulasiraman (28) was on its way to Cheyyar from Vandavasai.
According to sources, the horrific crash took place when the government bus took a turn at Yechur near Vandavasai and the other bus that was coming from the opposite direction lost control and collided head on. The passengers who were mostly asleep were rudely awaken by the impact. The front of both buses was damaged very badly.

Three persons died and 50 other passengers from both buses, who suffered injuries, were rushed to hospitals.

On information, police and fire and rescue service personnel rushed to the spot and began a rescue operation, with help from the locals and passersby. They pulled out many passengers who were stuck in the mangled remains of the bus.

The 108 ambulance rushed the injured to the Vandavasi and Cheyyar Government Hospitals. Some of the injured were also taken to the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMC), in Vellore.

The dead were identified as Velusami (46), an electrician of the Vandavasi Municipality, who succumbed to his injuries at the CMC, the government bus driver, Mathiyazhagan, died at the Vandavasi GH died at the hospital and one other person also died. The Anakkavur police have launched the investigation.