Tourist Bus Overturns in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram, 24 Injured Including 10 Children
A tourist bus overturned on a national highway in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district on Wednesday, injuring at least 24 people, including 10 children, according to news agency PTI. The accident occurred around midday on a stretch of the highway connecting Chennai to the southern districts.
Preliminary reports indicate that the bus suffered a tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle swerved and overturned, leaving passengers trapped inside. Local residents and authorities rushed to the scene to assist in rescue efforts. The injured were taken to nearby government hospitals in Villupuram and surrounding areas for treatment.
Officials at the scene confirmed that no fatalities have been reported. The condition of the injured is stated to be stable, with most suffering bruises and minor fractures. The bus was carrying a tourist group, though the exact itinerary remains unclear.
Police have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the tyre burst. Initial assessments point to possible wear and tear or overheating of the tyre. Authorities have also noted that the driver has been questioned and is cooperating with the investigation.
Road accidents due to tyre bursts are a recurring concern on Indian highways, often attributed to poor maintenance and extreme weather conditions. Villupuram district has seen several such incidents in the past, prompting calls for stricter vehicle inspection norms.
The incident also highlights the vulnerability of children in road accidents, as they accounted for nearly half of the injured. Hospital sources said that most children were travelling with their families and are now stable.
Traffic on the highway was disrupted for a few hours as cranes cleared the overturned bus. Normal movement was restored by evening. Local authorities have urged drivers to ensure proper vehicle maintenance before long journeys.
The National Highway Authority of India has been notified, and further safety audits may be conducted on this stretch. The state transport department is also expected to issue advisories regarding tyre checks for tourist buses.
