Two die after bus-bike collision in Theni

According to sources, the incident opposite a petrol bunk happened when bus driver Muthu of Pommurajapuram suddenly slammed the brakes while trying to avert a collision with a vehicle that turned to its left abruptly to fill petrol, sources said. While two people in the incident succumbed to injuries on the spot, two others, who sustained injuries, were admitted to the Uthamapalayam Government Hospital, sources added.

The Theni Superintendent of Police, V Baskaran, when contacted, said that after inquiries, it was found that the accident occurred when the bus driver attempted to overtake the vehicle turning to the petrol bunk. As the bus driver slammed the brakes, Vijayan, who was said to be the invoice checker in the bus, was smashed to the front side of the bus, and got trapped under the front wheel of the vehicle. He died on the spot, the police said.

Simultaneously, Sivanandi of Surulipatti, who was riding a two wheeler, also died on the spot after reportedly colliding head-on with the bus, which was proceeding from Cumbum to Uthamapalayam. The pillion rider, who was identified as Renuka (41), the wife of Sivanandi, suffered grievous injuries and is under medical treatment. Her condition is said to be critical. Kathirvel, another two-wheeler rider also sustained injuries in the incident after collision, sources said. Bus driver Muthu has been arrested.

The Uthamapalayam police have filed a case under Sections 279, 337 and 304 (A) of the IPC, sources said.