Tragic Collision Claims Three Lives in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu
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Synopsis
A tragic accident in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, resulted in the deaths of three individuals, with one person critically injured. The collision involved a cement truck, a two-wheeler, and a pickup van, leading to significant traffic disruption and ongoing investigations.
Key Takeaways
- Three fatalities in a road accident in Virudhunagar.
- One person critically injured and hospitalized.
- Accident involved a cement truck, motorcycle, and pickup van.
- Tamil Nadu reports a decrease in road fatalities.
- Authorities are implementing measures to improve road safety.
Chennai, Feb 12 (NationPress) Three individuals tragically lost their lives while another suffered serious injuries in a road mishap in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, during the early hours of Wednesday.
The victims have been identified as Vinod (38), Selvam (29), and Velmurugan (41). The injured party, Ramesh Karthik (28), is currently in critical condition at Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital.
As per police reports, the incident involved a cement truck, a two-wheeler, and a pickup van.
The collision transpired when the cement-laden truck broke down at Agrakapatti Bridge.
Vinod and Selvam, riding the two-wheeler, crashed into the rear of the immobile truck, resulting in their immediate deaths. The force of the impact was so intense that their vehicle was reduced to fragments.
Simultaneously, a pickup van collided with the truck, leading to the death of Velmurugan, a trader from Kovilpatti.
He succumbed to his injuries instantly. The driver of the pickup van, Ramesh Karthik, sustained serious injuries and was promptly taken to Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital.
Doctors have classified his condition as critical, though no further details have been released. Traffic on the Madurai-Kanyakumari Road faced disruptions for over an hour following the accident.
Upon being notified, officers from Vachakkarapatti Police Station arrived at the scene, retrieved the bodies, and sent them for autopsy at Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital.
A case has been filed, and investigations are actively progressing.
Despite this heartbreaking episode, Tamil Nadu has shown a marked decrease in fatal road accidents.
Road accident fatalities dropped by 273 in 2024 compared to the previous year. Authorities attribute this improvement to measures taken at 'Black Spots' (areas prone to accidents), enhanced enforcement of traffic regulations, and rigorous actions against drunken driving.
State Police Chief Sankar Jiwal recently noted that although the human and vehicular population is on the rise, alongside longer roads, the Tamil Nadu Police have initiated several effective programs to boost road safety.
In 2023, a total of 18,347 people lost their lives in 17,526 fatal traffic incidents. In contrast, in 2024, the figures declined to 18,074 fatalities in 17,282 accidents.
An analysis of the 2023 fatal accident data revealed that driver error was responsible for 16,800 out of 17,526 incidents.
To reduce accidents, the Highway Patrol Mobile Application has been effectively utilized to promote awareness and enforce road safety regulations.
The police also conducted a field survey to identify 6,165 'Black Spots', evaluating ground conditions based on vehicle traffic, environment, and accident history. In collaboration with the State Highways Department, safety measures were implemented, including speed reductions at 3,165 locations.
Most cities and districts in Tamil Nadu have subsequently reported a decline in road accidents.
Moreover, highway patrol units have played a vital role in saving lives, rescuing 12,629 critically injured accident victims and ensuring they received medical care within the Golden Hour.
In addition to stringent enforcement of traffic laws to deter reckless behavior, numerous awareness programs have been held to educate the public about responsible road usage.
