2 women among 3 killed as car hits truck near Ettayapuram

According to sources, the incident happened early on Thursday when a car in which six people from Virudhunagar were travelling to Kovilpatti rammed into a stationary truck, allegedly after the driver lost his control. While three of the victims succumbed to injuries on the spot, the other three sustained injuries and were taken to Kovilpatti Government Headquarters Hospital, where first aid was administered and they were later referred to Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital.

All the six passengers, who were residents of Palayampatti village of Aruppukottai taluk in Virudhunagar district, were travelling to attend the wedding of their relative in Kovilpatti. The deceased have been identified as Rajammal (55), wife of Veerasamy, Saroja (47), wife of Ramasamy and G Rammohan (56).

Upon information, police personnel attached to Ettayapuram station rushed to the spot. Sources said the car driver could have fallen asleep and thereby lost control of the vehicle before ramming it into the stationary container truck around 6.30 am on Thursday.

Among those injured, the condition of K Rajkumar (17), who suffered head injuries, is said to be critical. He has been reportedly unconscious since the accident. Besides, R Selvalakshmi (59), sustained head injuries and was hurt on her left knee, while K Suman (24), who drove the car, hurt his left leg, sources said.

Meanwhile, the Ettayapuram police arrested the truck driver, M. Murugan (36) of Keelakottai, Ottapidaram after filing a case under Sections 279,337 and 304 (A) of the IPC on the basis of a complaint.