What could have been a disastrous accident was narrowly avoided near Idaikal on 20 June 2025, when the rear axle of a TNSTC government bus detached while the vehicle was in motion along the Thirumangalam-Kollam National Highway.
The bus, operated by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation’s Srivilliputhur depot in Virudhunagar district, was en route from Madurai to Courtallam. It was being driven by 52-year-old Sankaran from Vathirayiruppu at the time of the incident. There were 87 passengers on board.
According to sources, the rear axle assembly, including both tyres, unexpectedly broke away while the bus was travelling at high speed, triggering panic among the passengers. Fortunately, the driver, having noticed abnormal vibrations and noise, quickly responded by reducing speed and bringing the vehicle to a safe stop—likely averting a serious accident.
Four passengers sustained minor injuries, while the rest were unharmed. The incident caused a temporary disruption of traffic on the busy national highway.
(With inputs from TNIE)
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