Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Chennai, Nov 30: A tragic road accident near Kummangudi, close to Kundrakkudi in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district, claimed at least 12 lives and left more than 40 people injured on Sunday evening. The collision occurred when two state-run buses crashed head-on along a narrow stretch of road, an official confirmed.
The force of the impact killed several passengers instantly, while others were trapped inside the twisted metal of the buses. Local residents rushed to assist, working alongside police to free the injured as rescue operations continued late into the night.
Early reports suggest both buses were travelling in opposite directions when the crash occurred. Investigators are now looking into possible causes, including speeding, low visibility and driver fatigue.
The injured have been admitted to hospitals in Sivaganga and Karaikudi, where medical teams are treating cases ranging from fractures and head injuries to severe trauma. Several passengers are reported to be in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses recalled scenes of panic and chaos: cries for help, broken glass scattered along the road, and locals smashing open bus doors to pull out survivors. Traffic remained disrupted for nearly an hour before police restored normal movement.
This latest tragedy underscores Tamil Nadu’s ongoing struggle with road safety. The state recorded over 67,000 road accidents in 2023, representing nearly 14% of all such incidents in India. Despite minor improvements in 2025 due to stricter enforcement and awareness efforts, fatal crashes involving buses, trucks and two-wheelers remain disturbingly frequent. Districts such as Trichy, Salem and Villupuram have witnessed rising accident numbers in recent months.
Just days earlier, six people—including five women—lost their lives in another head-on bus collision in Tenkasi district. In another recent case, a bus carrying Sabarimala pilgrims from Tamil Nadu crashed into a safety railing in Kerala, highlighting concerns over long-distance driver fatigue.
The Sivaganga crash has renewed demands for tighter monitoring of government buses, mandatory driver-fitness evaluations, improved road design on high-risk routes and stricter action against speeding. Police have launched a full investigation, and district officials are expected to submit a detailed report soon.
Further updates are awaited as authorities work to identify the victims and determine the precise cause of the fatal collision.