Bus Overturns on Salem Bypass, Multiple Injuries Reported
In a concerning road incident that occurred on Wednesday morning, twelve people sustained injuries when an omnibus traveling from Chennai to Coimbatore overturned in Salem city. The injured included both the driver of the vehicle and an eight-year-old girl who was among the passengers.
Details of the Accident and Cause
The accident took place around 8am on the Seelanaickkanpatty bypass in Salem city. According to police reports from the Annadanapatti police station, the bus was carrying 28 passengers and was scheduled to arrive in Coimbatore at 6am. However, significant traffic congestion along the route had delayed the journey by approximately four hours.
Police officials identified the driver as K Moovendhar of Manali in Chennai. Investigators stated that Moovendhar was operating the bus at dangerously high speeds in an attempt to compensate for the delay. This excessive speed ultimately led to the driver losing control of the vehicle.
The sequence of events culminated when the bus struck a road divider and subsequently overturned, causing injuries to twelve individuals onboard.
Emergency Response and Traffic Impact
Emergency services responded promptly to the accident scene. All injured persons were quickly transported to medical facilities for treatment. Some victims were taken to Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital, while others received care at a private hospital.
Police authorities confirmed that the condition of all injured individuals was stable following medical attention. The accident significantly disrupted traffic flow on the busy bypass road. Law enforcement officials had to deploy a crane to remove the overturned bus from the roadway and restore normal traffic conditions.
Broader Implications for Road Safety
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety on intercity bus routes in Tamil Nadu. The decision to drive at high speeds to compensate for scheduling delays poses serious risks to passengers and other road users. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to speed limits and prioritizing passenger safety over timetable adherence.
As investigations into the precise causes continue, this accident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when transportation providers prioritize punctuality over safety protocols.
