TIRUCHY: As many as 24 students of a private engineering college were injured when a goods wagon operated for a cement company hit the bus on which they were travelling at an unmanned level crossing in Velliyanai near Karur on Saturday.
On seeing the accident, the local public rushed to the rescue of the injured students, who were taken to Karur Medical College Hospital where they are undergoing treatment. Giri Sudan, a student whose condition is serious, was referred to Coimbatore Government Medical College.
Officials said the bus belonging to VSB Engineering College, which was carrying around 50 students on Saturday evening, was attempting to cross the unmanned level crossing. Before the driver could take the bus across the track, the goods wagon that was carrying raw materials from Dindigul to the Chettinad Cement’s factory in Karur hit the vehicle.
A portion of the bus was damaged in the collision and 24 students sustained injuries, officials said.
On information, a police team led by Karur SP Josh K Thangaiah rushed to the spot and conducted an investigation. Personnel from Fire and Rescue Services also rushed to the spot and were involved in the rescue operation.
Meanwhile, railway sources said that the accident took place on the stretch between Veerarakkiyam and Palyam, which was laid to ferry clinker for the cement factory. Officials said that the loco, wagons, and tracks are maintained by the factory management, and added that the section has a few unmanned level crossings. Further investigations are on.