A tragic road accident on the busy Madurai–Tuticorin four-lane highway has claimed the lives of three women devotees who were on a religious pilgrimage. The fatal incident occurred on Thursday evening in the Tuticorin district, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to police reports, the victims were part of a larger group of more than 25 women. These women hailed from the villages of Veerapandiyapattinam and Karumpavilai, located near Tiruchendur. Their destination was the Irukkankudi Mariamman Temple situated in Sattur, within Virudhunagar district. The group was undertaking a padayatra, or religious walk, and was proceeding along the road margin of the four-lane highway.
The tragedy struck around 5:30 pm near a petrol bunk. A car, which was travelling from Tiruchendur towards Thanjavur, reportedly veered off its lane and ploughed into the walking devotees. The impact was severe, and three women died instantly at the scene. They have been identified as Sundara Rani (60), Esakkiammal (55), and Kasthuri (55).
Immediate Aftermath and Police Action
Police teams rushed to the accident site following the alert. The bodies of the deceased were swiftly transported to the Tuticorin Government Hospital for a mandatory post-mortem examination. Law enforcement officials from the Ottapidaram police station have taken charge of the investigation.
Authorities acted promptly and have already arrested the car driver involved in the incident. He has been named as Ram Prasad, a 32-year-old resident of Thanjavur. A formal case has been registered, and a detailed investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the accident, including the speed and possible negligence of the driver.
Community in Mourning and Road Safety Concerns
This heartbreaking event has cast a pall of grief over the villages from which the devotees originated. Such padayatras are a common expression of faith in the region, and the loss of three lives in this manner is a devastating blow. The incident also raises serious questions about pedestrian safety on high-speed, multi-lane national highways, where devotees often walk long distances during religious observances.
The local community and authorities are now left to mourn the untimely demise of the three women, whose spiritual journey ended in an unforeseen tragedy. The investigation by the Ottapidaram police continues to uncover further details surrounding the circumstances of the fatal crash.
