Chennai, Nov 30 (NationPress) Tragically, at least 12 individuals lost their lives and over 40 others sustained injuries in a catastrophic road incident near Kummangudi, adjacent to Kundrakkudi in the Sivaganga district. This occurred when two government buses from Tamil Nadu collided head-on on Sunday evening, according to officials.

The collision's impact was devastating, resulting in several passengers perishing instantly, while many remained trapped within the wreckage of the buses.

Local residents quickly arrived at the scene to assist the police in rescuing the injured as operations carried on into the night. Preliminary reports indicate that both buses were moving in opposing directions and collided on a narrow road.

Authorities are investigating the potential causes of the crash, including speeding, poor visibility, or driver exhaustion.

The injured parties have been transported to medical facilities in Sivaganga and Karaikudi, where emergency teams are addressing numerous cases of fractures, head trauma, and psychological distress.

Several victims remain in critical condition.

Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos immediately following the crash, with passengers pleading for help, shattered glass strewn across the roadway, and locals forcibly opening bus doors to save those trapped inside.

Traffic was halted for nearly an hour before police restored order.

This incident underscores the troubling pattern of fatal road accidents in Tamil Nadu. Just days prior, six individuals — including five women — were killed in a similar collision involving private buses in Tenkasi district.

Deadly accidents frequently dominate news reports across the state.

Tamil Nadu has reported over 67,000 road accidents in 2023, the highest across all Indian states, constituting nearly 14 percent of the nation's total accidents.

While the state experienced a slight reduction in fatalities in 2025 due to stricter enforcement and awareness initiatives, significant accidents involving buses, trucks, and motorcycles continue to claim lives daily. Recent months have seen districts like Trichy, Salem, and Villupuram report a rise in deadly crashes.

In one urban area, fatalities related to accidents surged considerably between June and July 2025 compared to previous years, raising alarms about speeding and non-compliance with safety standards.

Last month, a bus transporting Sabarimala pilgrims from Tamil Nadu crashed into a safety barrier in Kerala, injuring multiple passengers and spotlighting the issue of driver fatigue on long journeys.

The Sivaganga incident has reignited demands for stricter oversight of government-operated buses, routine driver fitness evaluations, enhanced road engineering on hazardous routes, and harsher penalties for speeding.

A formal investigation has been initiated by the police, with district officials expected to provide a comprehensive report.

Further updates are pending as authorities work to confirm the identities of the victims and determine the cause behind this tragic collision.