The passengers of a mini-bus are lucky to be alive after their speeding vehicle fell into a channel at Uchchaparambu Medu near Iyer Bungalow here on Tuesday.
Twenty-five passengers were taken to the Government Rajaji Hospital in three ambulances. While six were admitted there, the rest were treated for minor injuries.
The bus, which was headed to Fatima College from Mattuthavani integrated bus stand, veered off the Uchchaparambu Medu Road after its wheels slipped into the channel.
The vehicle reeled and landed on its side.
The mishap occurred at around 5 p.m.
Workers from a construction site close by broke through rear glass panes to rescue the passengers. "The bus was packed with passengers," said Srinivasan, a construction worker.
Locals beat up the driver for what they described as his rash and negligent driving, and claimed he was using his mobile phone when the accident occurred.
Local residents said mini-buses were involved in accidents on the stretch in the past.
