CHENNAI: Six people were killed and several others sustained serious injuries after the tourist van they were travelling on rammed into a tree near Ulundurpet in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to a Thanthi TV report, a group of pilgrims were returning to their native, Ranipet, after visiting Tiruchendur Murugan temple.

Near Mettathur village, the driver lost control of the vehicle reportedly because of heavy rains and the van rammed a tree on the roadside.

The report added that six people were killed on the spot while 16 others suffered severe injuries. They were rushed to the hospital.

However, according to Thirunavalur police, the preliminary probe indicated that the driver fell asleep, as reported by PTI. 

The accident led to traffic pile up on the stretch for sometime