At least 11 persons, including nine women, were crushed to death and 14 others grievously injured when a cement container lorry collided with a mini goods carrier at Thenkatchiperumal near Jayankondam in Ariyalur district on Sunday night.
Most of the victims were travelling on the goods carrier.
They were returning to Thenkatchiperumal after attending a ritual organised in connection with death of a person at Pudukudi.
Sources said four persons died on the spot and seven others on way to the Government Hospital in Ariyalur. 14 others, who suffered grievous injures, were admitted to the Government Hospital in Ariyalur.
Critical condition
Since the condition of five of them was said to be critical, they were referred to the Government Medical College Hospital in Thanjavur. The remaining nine, after first aid, were admitted to various private hospitals in the vicinity, sources added.
Most of the victims hailed from Thenkatchiperumal village.
The accident occurred just 500 meters from the village.
Sources added that about 25 persons were said to have travelled on the goods carrier. Operators of goods carriers are forbidden to carry passengers or travellers.
All of them however travelled in the vehicle, standing. The goods carrier was said to have been crushed beyond recognition due to the impact of the collision.
Ariyalur Collector A. Saravanavelraj, who visited the injured at the hospital, said the exact cause of the accident was yet to be known clearly. Efforts were being taken to extend best treatment to the injured, she added.
Four persons died
on the spot and seven others on way to the Government Hospital in Ariyalur
