Seven killed after two cars collide head on near Nanguneri

The mangled remains of one of the cars that collided head on at Thalapathisamudram in Tirunelveli district on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Seven persons were killed after an MPV and a sedan collided on the Tirunelveli -Nagercoil National Highway near Nanguneri on Sunday evening.

According to police, Mariappan, the driver of the MPV, coming from Madurai and going towards Nagercoil, lost control near Dhalapathisamudram. The car crossed the median and collided with a sedan that was heading to Tirunelveli. Both vehicles were severely damaged in the accident. A total of nine persons, including two children, suffered serious injuries and were in critical condition.

Upon being informed, the Ervadi police and the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services personnel rushed to the spot and carried out rescue operations. While two of the injured passed away at the site of the accident, seven were rushed to the Valliyoor Government Hospital.

Four victims were then transferred to the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital (TGMCH) and three were taken to Kanniyakumari Government Medical College Hospital (KGMCH).

While two died of injuries at the TGMCH, three others succumbed at KGMCH. Currently, Mariappan is still under treatment at the TGMCH. Blood test reports have confirmed that there was no trace of alcohol in his system. A child is also under treatment at KGMCH.

Authorities suspect that the driver might have either fallen asleep at the wheel or been distracted by the mobile phone usage. The Ervadi police have registered a case and are investigating.

Tirunelveli Collector R. Sukumar visited the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital to check the patients.