Worker, driver die as potato-laden lorry rolls into 70-ft gorge in Dharmapuri

The lorry, carrying a huge load of potato from Madhya Pradesh, was proceeding to Tirunelveli, when the incident happened near Thoppur. It was driven by Chinnaraj, 28, from Attur in Salem district. 

On reaching the toll gate at Kanavai, Chinnaraj lost control and hit Kandasamy, 48, from Nallampalli, Rajakanni, 35 and Chinnasamy, 50, hailing from different parts of Dharmapuri. The trio, along with a group of other persons, was involved in road repair works, when they met with the deadly fate. 

After hitting the labourers, the lorry rolled down into a 70 feet deep gorge crashing on several trees and rocks. Police said driver Chinnaraj was crushed to death on the spot. Daily wager Kandasamy succumbed to injuries, while two others were rushed to Dharmapuri Government Hospital in critical condition. 

Police retrieved the body of the lorry driver and both the bodies of the deceased persons were sent for a post mortem to Dharmapuri Government Hospital. 

Police is making efforts to pull the lorry out using cranes and also to retrieve the bags of potatoes that spilled off the vehicle in the mishap.

Thoppur police have registered a case and further inquiries are on.