In a tragic incident at Namanasamudram in the district, five individuals, predominantly pilgrims, lost their lives, while 19 others sustained injuries when a cement-laden lorry collided with two vehicles before crashing into a roadside tea shop, as reported by the police on Saturday.
The victims have been identified as B Jaganathan (60), S Santhi (55), and R Gokulkrishnan (26) from Tiruvallur district; S Satish (25) from Chennai, who died on the spot; and J Suresh (39) from Tiruvallur district, declared brought dead at Pudukottai General Hospital.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the day, catching the unsuspecting devotees, who had stopped at the tea stall, off guard. The lorry, en route from Ariyalur to Sivaganga, lost control and collided with a car and van before crashing into the tea stall along the Tiruchi-Rameswaram highway, according to the police.
The group from Tiruvallur was on a pilgrimage to Omshakthi temple, while the van was carrying Sabarimala pilgrims. Four individuals lost their lives on the spot, and the fifth succumbed on the way to the hospital, police confirmed.
Authorities, including the police and Fire Services personnel, promptly responded to the scene in Namanasamudram, extricating the bodies and transporting the injured to Pudukottai Government Hospital.
A case has been registered in connection with the incident. Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families, announcing a solatium of Rs 2 lakh each for the families. Additionally, he declared relief amounts of Rs one lakh for the severely injured and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries, according to an official release.
