Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Puducherry Lorry Owners in Tiruvannamalai
A devastating collision on the Mumbai-Kanyakumari Highway (NH 66) near Tiruvannamalai town has left four individuals from Puducherry dead. The victims, identified as D. Sathish Kumar, R. Sailesh Kumar, S. Stalin, and S. Saroosh, were all members of the Puducherry Lorry Owners Association, deeply involved in the commercial transport business.
The fateful incident occurred when Sathish Kumar, accompanied by his three friends and business partners, was returning from a business trip in Bengaluru to Puducherry. On the dark early morning of April 13, 2025, tragedy struck as their SUV collided head-on with a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus at So Kattukulam village, just 10 kilometers outside Tiruvannamalai town.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The impact of the crash was immense, instantly claiming the lives of all four occupants of the SUV. The bus, en route to Tiruvannamalai town, was carrying approximately 30 passengers and crew members, all of whom miraculously escaped unharmed. The scene of the accident was chaotic yet swiftly attended to by other motorists, passersby, and local authorities.
As the mangled vehicles were cleared from the highway, traffic disruptions lingered for over an hour, compounded by the busy weekend holiday traffic and the Pournami festival at the revered Arunachaleswara temple in Tiruvannamalai town. Amidst the commotion, the bodies of the deceased were solemnly transported to the Government Medical College Hospital in Tiruvannamalai for post-mortem examinations.
Investigation and Accountability
In the aftermath of the tragic event, authorities swiftly took action by arresting the bus driver, S. Palanivel, who was suspected of causing the collision. Initial findings point to potential drowsiness on the part of the SUV driver as a contributing factor to the accident, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading up to the fatal crash.
The untimely loss of these four individuals has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community of Puducherry lorry owners, highlighting the inherent risks and responsibilities associated with the transportation industry. As the investigation unfolds, questions linger about the safety measures in place on our highways and the vigilance required of all drivers to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring.
As we reflect on this heartbreaking event, let us remember the lives lost and the families forever changed by this devastating collision. May moments like these serve as poignant reminders of the preciousness of life and the imperative of prioritizing safety on our roads.
