Four devotees among five killed in two separate road accidents in Perambalur sends shock across Tamil Nadu
Four devotees among five killed in two separate road accidents in Perambalur early Saturday morning has left families shattered and raised serious concerns about road safety during early-hour travel. The tragic incidents occurred at different locations in Perambalur district, claiming the lives of five people, including four devotees who were on a pilgrimage walk to the famous Samayapuram temple.
The first accident took place in the early hours near Siruvachur, when a group of devotees from Cuddalore and Salem districts were walking along the road as part of their temple visit. Pilgrims often begin such journeys before sunrise, believing it to be an auspicious time. However, the calm of the early morning turned into a scene of horror within moments.
As the group neared a bridge at Siruvachur, a car travelling from Chennai towards Tiruchy allegedly lost control and hit the devotees from behind. The impact was severe, leaving several people thrown onto the road. Three devotees died on the spot due to the force of the collision, while others suffered serious injuries.
Local residents who heard the noise rushed to help before the police arrived. Emergency services were informed immediately, and the injured were taken to the Perambalur Government Hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, one more devotee later died due to injuries, bringing the death toll in this incident to four.
Pilgrimage turns tragic on quiet highway
Four devotees among five killed in two separate road accidents in Perambalur has deeply affected the pilgrim community, especially in Cuddalore and Salem districts, where the victims were from. Walking pilgrimages are common in Tamil Nadu, with devotees travelling long distances as an act of faith. Many such journeys take place along highways due to limited alternative routes.
Police officials stated that the devotees were walking carefully along the side of the road when the car struck them unexpectedly. The driver of the car was arrested, and a case has been registered. Authorities are investigating whether overspeeding or driver fatigue played a role in the accident.
Hospital officials confirmed that the injured devotees are undergoing treatment and are being closely monitored. Their condition is reported to be stable. The bodies of the deceased were sent for post-mortem examination, and arrangements are being made to hand them over to their families.
Relatives who reached the hospital were seen in deep distress, struggling to accept the sudden loss. Many described the incident as unimaginable, saying the journey was meant to be one of devotion and prayer, not tragedy.
Second accident adds to the loss
Four devotees among five killed in two separate road accidents in Perambalur also includes another fatal incident that occurred later that night near Mangalamedu. In this separate accident, a young man travelling on a two-wheeler lost his life after colliding with a lorry on the Chennai–Tiruchy National Highway.
The victim was returning home when the accident occurred. Due to the poor visibility and heavy vehicle movement on the highway, the two-wheeler reportedly crashed into the lorry moving ahead. The impact proved fatal, and the rider died at the spot.
Police reached the location soon after receiving information and shifted the body to the government hospital for further procedures. A case has been registered, and investigations are under way to determine the exact cause of the accident.
These two incidents, though unrelated, occurred within hours of each other, making it one of the darkest days for the district in recent times. Local authorities have once again urged drivers to remain alert, especially during night and early-morning hours, when visibility is low and fatigue can set in. Also Read: Five, Including Four Ayyappa Devotees From Andhra Pradesh, Killed in Road Accident
Conclusion
Four devotees among five killed in two separate road accidents in Perambalur is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be on the roads. As families mourn their loved ones, the incidents underline the urgent need for safer travel practices, better road awareness, and caution from both drivers and pedestrians to prevent such heartbreaking losses in the future.
