4 Velankanni-bound pilgrims die in accident

Police said a 17-member group belonging to three fishermen families, all residents of Thengapattinam, were proceeding on a pilgrimage to Velankanni. When their vehicle was passing through the ECR at Uppur village, it collided with a sand-laden lorry coming from Kattumannarkoil. The front portions of both the vehicles were completely disfigured in the impact. 

Thiruppalai police, who were informed about the accident, rushed to the spot along with personnel from Fire and Rescue Service department and carried out rescue operation. Four occupants on the van, including a woman, died on the spot. The deceased were identified as Pushparajan (32), Punitha (36), John (24), the van driver, and Ribbon (12).  

Thirteen others, who suffered injuries, were rushed to the Ramanthapuram Government Hospital. Relief vehicles were brought to the spot and the damaged vehicles were cleared from the road. Traffic was affected on the stretch for more than an hour because of the accident.