3 killed as tractor-trailer overturns near Ambur

Police said a trailer loaded with hollow blocks and cement bags for the construction of a house was proceeding through the ghat road near Ambur on Thursday. Four persons, Chinnasamy (55), Ponnusamy(61), Singaram (55) and Pattu (55), who had hitched a ride to Naickaneri from Ambur, were seated atop the load on the trailer. The trailer while negotiating a curve suddenly overturned and the load slid from the vehicle. 

Before they could escape to safety, all of them were caught beneath the load. Locals rushed to the spot and rescued those caught under the load using crowbars and iron rods. While Singaram and Ponnyusamy were killed on the spot, Chinnasamy died on the way to the Ambur government hospital. 

Driver Umapathy of Naickaneri and Pattu were admitted to Ambur hospital in a serious condition. Ambur taluk police, who registered a case, recovered the bodies of Singaram and Ponnusamy and sent them for post mortem. Sources revealed that tribals usually hitched rides on any available transport to the hills due to inadequate bus services to their villages.