TENKASI, Sept 13: More than 20 passengers were feared trapped after a Tamil Nadu State Transport bus overturned and plunged into the Azhutha Kanni River near Vettaikarankulam in Tenkasi district on Sunday, officials said.
Rescue teams at scene as passengers pulled from river
Police and fire and rescue personnel reached the site shortly after the accident, which occurred on the Tenkasi–Tirunelveli route where the river lies about 30 feet below road level. Authorities said a total of 32 passengers were on board when the bus veered off the road and fell into the gorge.
So far, the emergency response has identified multiple injured travellers. According to official accounts, 17 people sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals; the driver, identified as Sivasakthi, 49, was described as critically injured and transported to Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital. The other injured were shifted to Tenkasi Government Hospital for treatment.
"There were 32 passengers on board the bus, of whom more than 20 were feared trapped inside following the accident," ANI reported, citing police.
- Responding agencies: Tenkasi Fire and Rescue Service, Courtallam Police and local ambulance teams.
- Hospitals involved: Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital, Tenkasi Government Hospital.
- Investigation: Courtallam Police have opened an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the vehicle leaving the road.
Casualties, ongoing search and factors under probe
Rescue personnel are working to locate and extricate any remaining occupants believed to be inside the submerged bus. The steep drop from the road to the river and strong currents at the site complicate operations; divers and specialised equipment were reported to be part of the effort.
Police said the initial tally indicates the majority of passengers were local commuters travelling between Tenkasi and Tirunelveli. No official cause has been confirmed at this stage; Courtallam Police are conducting an on-site investigation to determine whether mechanical failure, driver error, road conditions or other factors contributed to the accident.
| Item | Figure / Detail |
|---|---|
| Passengers on board | 32 |
| Feared trapped | More than 20 |
| Reported injured | 17 |
| Driver | Sivasakthi, 49 |
Local impact and travel advisory
Traffic on the Tenkasi–Tirunelveli road has been affected while rescue and probe work continue. Commuters are advised to use alternate routes until authorities clear the scene. Local administration sources said additional personnel from nearby fire stations were being mobilised to support the operation.
Officials urged relatives of passengers to report to the designated hospital points for information and to assist with identification and treatment decisions. Emergency contact lines established by the district administration were being used to coordinate family notifications and medical assistance.
Next steps in inquiry
Courtallam Police have registered a case and will compile witness statements, examine the bus for mechanical faults and review the vehicle’s maintenance records and the driver’s duty roster. Findings from the probe will determine if further legal or administrative action is required.
The accident adds to road-safety concerns in the region, where mountainous stretches and water crossings pose risks, particularly during seasonal rains. Authorities said a full report will be prepared after rescue operations conclude and preliminary medical assessments are completed.
Further updates are expected as rescue teams finish the search and police make their findings public.
