A potentially catastrophic accident was narrowly avoided in Manamadurai, Sivaganga district, after a government town bus’s rear tyre began to detach mid-journey. The incident occurred yesterday when a town bus, carrying passengers from the new bus stand in Manamadurai to Kuvalaveli village, began veering to one side near Somanathapuram, close to Muthanendal.
Sensing something was wrong, the driver immediately brought the bus to a halt. Upon inspection, he discovered that a rear tyre was about to fall off. The driver quickly evacuated all passengers and arranged for alternative transport. Relieved commuters later remarked that a serious accident might have occurred if the issue had gone unnoticed.
Government bus drivers in the region voiced concern over the worsening condition of the public transport fleet in Sivaganga district. “Most town buses are in a dilapidated state—punctured, rusted, and practically ready for the scrapyard,” a driver said. He added that a shortage of trained mechanics and critical spare parts means many buses are operating with unresolved issues. When faults arise, disciplinary actions are often directed at drivers and conductors instead of addressing systemic failures.
They urged the Tamil Nadu government and the state’s Transport Minister to replace the aging, damaged fleet with new vehicles to prevent future tragedies.
Similar Scare on National Highway
This recent scare follows another narrowly avoided tragedy on 20 June 2025 near Idaikal, along the Thirumangalam–Kollam National Highway. A TNSTC bus, operated by the Srivilliputhur depot in Virudhunagar district, suffered a mechanical failure when its rear axle and both tyres broke off while in motion.
The bus, driven by 52-year-old Sankaran from Vathirayiruppu, was traveling from Madurai to Courtallam with 87 passengers on board. Witnesses reported that the vehicle began vibrating violently before the driver noticed something wrong. He promptly reduced speed and safely brought the bus to a stop, preventing what could have been a disastrous outcome.
Four passengers sustained minor injuries, while others escaped unscathed. The accident caused temporary traffic congestion on the highway, highlighting ongoing concerns about the maintenance of the state’s public transport fleet.
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
