Chennai, Nov 24 (NationPress) In a tragic road incident, six individuals lost their lives and over 20 others sustained injuries when two buses collided head-on near Duraisamipuram, in proximity to Kadayanaallur within the Tenkasi district.

The collision occurred at approximately 11 a.m., sending immediate shockwaves throughout the local community.

According to law enforcement sources, a private bus operated by KSR was en route to Tenkasi when it reached the Duraisamipuram junction. Simultaneously, another bus from MR Gopalan Travels was making its way from Kovilpatti to Tenkasi, approaching from the opposite direction. In a matter of seconds, both buses collided with catastrophic force, trapping numerous passengers inside.

Local residents, drawn by the sound of the violent crash, quickly arrived at the scene to assist police and fire-rescue teams in extracting the injured.

The Tenkasi district administration, led by the District Collector and the District Superintendent of Police, reached the site within minutes and is currently overseeing ongoing rescue operations.

The injured have been transported to the Tenkasi Government Medical College Hospital, where several remain in critical condition. Authorities are concerned that the fatality count may increase.

Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of chaos, with shattered glass and mangled metal littering the roadway. Rescue teams had to use hydraulic cutters to free several passengers, facing significant challenges due to the severity of the crash.

This incident comes at a time when Tamil Nadu has experienced a surge in fatal accidents, raising alarms over road safety and vehicle regulations.

Just days prior, four family members perished in Tiruvannamalai district after their vehicle collided with a lorry. In another instance in Coimbatore, two college students lost their lives when their motorcycle was struck by a fast-moving bus.

Last week, three individuals died in Ramanathapuram after a private van overturned due to reckless driving. Data from the state transport department reveals that Tamil Nadu continues to rank among the highest in road fatalities across India.

Police officials attribute these incidents to factors such as speeding, fatigue among long-distance drivers, and insufficient law enforcement.

As rescue efforts persist at Duraisamipuram, officials have mandated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. This devastating accident has again highlighted the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and regular inspections of private buses operating on busy inter-district routes.