2 killed, 34 hurt as bus rams truck in Pollachi

COIMBATORE: Two persons died and 34 passengers were injured after a speeding private bus rammed into a pickup truck in Pollachi near Coimbatore on Wednesday.

Police said the bus with around 40 passengers and driven by Mohanraj (28), was bound to Pollachi from Gopalapuram, when it rammed into the pickup truck coming in the opposite direction, while attempting to overtake a lorry on Palakkad Main Road.

In the impact of the mishap, the bus ran off the road and fell into a pit along the road. Passengers, who were trapped in were rescued by the public along with Pollachi Taluk police.

Meanwhile, Natarajan (50) from Nallur, who was behind the wheels of the truck and Kittusami (33) from D. Nalligoundanpalayam died on the spot, while Muthusamy (35) has been undergoing treatment in the hospital. Some of the severely injured passengers were taken to Pollachi Government Hospital.

Police said a total of 34 passengers, including 23 men and 11 women were injured. Of them, four patients have been admitted in the hospital, while others were treated as out- patients. Traffic was disrupted on the busy stretch for a while due to the accident.

Meanwhile, Coimbatore Collector GS Sameeran visited Pollachi GH and consoled the injured persons. Further inquiry is on.