Case registered against driver of private bus that plunged into gorge in Yercaud, causing 5 deaths
Following Tuesday’s accident involving a private bus on Yercaud Ghat Road that claimed ve lives and left 64 passengers injured, the Yercaud police on Wednesday registered a case against the driver of the bus, who was also injured in the accident and is undergoing treatment.
The bus, with 69 passengers on board, was travelling from Yercaud to Salem when the driver, identied as Mani, lost control of the vehicle near the 13th hairpin bend, causing it to hit a sidewall, fall into a gorge and land on the 11th hairpin bend. While three passengers died on the way to a hospital, two died at the hospital. Collector R. Brindha Devi inspected the accident spot and visited the injured at the hospital.
On Wednesday, the Yercaud police registered a case under Sections 279
The bus, with 69 passengers on board, was travelling from Yercaud to Salem when the accident occurred.
(driving a vehicle in a negligent manner, thereby endangering human life), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life), 338 (causing grievous hurt) and 304 (a) (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code. The driver will be arrested once he is discharged from the hospital, the police said.
The Collector has asked the Regional Transport Department and the police
to ensure that vehicles run only at 30 kmph on the Ghat Road, and take action against those who violate the norms. Since the ow of tourists to the hill station is on the rise in view of the summer, the Collector has also instructed ocials to ensure that only experienced drivers operate vehicles on the Ghat Road.
On Wednesday, all heavy vehicles plying from Sadite lem to Yercaud through the Ghat Road were inspected at the foothills by Regional Transport Ocers and the police. They checked the brakes of buses and heavy vehicles, and the level of experience of the drivers. The drivers were instructed to operate the vehicles within the prescribed speed limit and exercise caution while negotiating hairpin bends. The Ghat Road in the Servarayan range has 20 hairpin bends.
‘Solatium after EC nod’
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday said that a solatium would be provided to the families of the deceased after obtaining permission from the Election Commission.
In a post on X, Mr. Stalin said that he was pained by the deaths, and extended his condolences to the bereaved.
“After hearing the news, I had instructed the District Collector to expe
relief eorts and also ensure appropriate medical treatment for those injured in the accident,” he said.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami urged the State government to provide a solatium of ₹10 lakh each to the families of those who died, ₹2 lakh each to those who sustained major injuries, and ₹50,000 each to those who suffered minor injuries.
Extending his condolences, he also urged the State government to set up checkposts in tourist spots, examine bus drivers and other motorists, and ensure that private drivers are experienced enough to drive in hill stations.
AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran and expelled AIADMK coordinator O. Panneerselvam also extended their condolences to the victims, and called for adequate compensation to the kin of those who died in the accident.