Three college students and an assistant professor were killed and 17 others injured after a college bus collided head on with a lorry at Poigai Pudur near Mahadhanapuram on Karur-Tiruchi main road on Tuesday.
The accident occurred when the bus of Chettinad College of Engineering and Technology at Puliyur near here was on its way to the college after picking up students from Musiri and Pettavaithalai areas in Tiruchi district. The goods lorry was proceeding to Tiruchi from Karur.
Two students Rifana Banu of Pettavaithalai, Roshini Priya (19) of Musiri, and assistant professor Pon. Sangeetha (35) of Musiri died on the spot. Another student Kokila of Pettavaithalai died at a private hospital in Karur.
The injured have been admitted to private hospitals in Karur, sources said. Although the reason for the accident was not known, rash driving by bus driver was suspected.
Collector S. Jayandhi and Deputy Inspector-General of Police N.K. Senthamarai Kannan visited the spot and met the injured students.
Meanwhile, a large number of students gathered in front of the Government Hospital where the bodies were kept for post-mortem. Students, friends, and relatives of those injured in the accident thronged the private hospitals where students were admitted.
A section of angry students blocked traffic in front of the college at Puliyur on Karur-Tiruchi Road, demanding suitable action against those responsible for the accident. The agitation was withdrawn after about two hours following assurance from the officials that a meeting would be held on April 8 to discuss the issue.
