Truck, tanker collide head-on near Kovai, both drivers killed

The victims were identified as Thiyagarajan (35) of Nagapattinam who was driving the septic tank cleaner tanker and Chandra Kumar (35), who drove the truck. Two others, who got stuck between the vehicles, were badly injured in the collision. They are undergoing treatment in an intensive care.

According to the Coimbatore district police, preliminary inquiry revealed that the septic tank cleaner was carrying sewage from Kulathupalayam area to Madukkarai. Driver Thiyagarajan was accompanied by helpers Sathishkumar (28) of Pachapalayam and Masani (38) of Uppilipalayam. Their tanker collided head-on against the lorry, Chandra Kumar was driving, at the Kurumbapalayam Junction.

The mini lorry’s cabin was completely crushed while the driver’s side of the other truck was also badly damaged. Thiyagarajan died on the spot, while the three others got stuck and were battling for life. Fire and rescue services personnel with the help of public separated the vehicles and rescued the trio.

But, Chandra Kumar died on the way to the hospital. Sathishkumar and Masani were undergoing treatment in the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital. Bodies of the victims were taken to the same hospital for post mortem.

The incident affected traffic on the road for a few hours till the vehicles were cleared from the spot. Madukkarai police are investigating the case.