Tamil Nadu Bus Overturns Near Mailam on Chennai–Tiruchy Highway, 21 Injured

In a harrowing incident on the Chennai–Tiruchy National Highway, a government bus carrying 53 passengers overturned near Jakkampettai, close to Mailam in Tamil Nadu, leaving 21 people injured in the early hours of October 21, 2025. The accident, which occurred around 3:30 AM, disrupted traffic for over an hour and has raised concerns about road safety on one of the state’s busiest routes.

The bus, operated by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, was traveling from Pattukkottai to Chennai via Aranthangi, having departed on Monday night. According to Mailam police, the driver, G. Rajapandi, 53, from Aranthangi, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and flip over. The conductor, N. Manivannan, 45, also from Aranthangi, was among those managing the packed bus at the time of the crash. Authorities suspect that factors such as driver fatigue or road conditions may have contributed, though a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.

Emergency services responded swiftly, rushing all 21 injured passengers to Tindivanam Government Hospital for immediate treatment. Three of the victims sustained severe fractures and were transferred to the Government Villupuram Medical College Hospital for specialized care. The remaining passengers, shaken but stable, received treatment for minor injuries, including cuts and bruises. No fatalities were reported, but the severity of the crash has left local residents and passengers rattled.

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The overturned bus blocked a significant portion of the highway, causing traffic disruptions for over an hour as police and rescue teams worked to clear the wreckage and assist the victims. Motorists faced delays as authorities redirected traffic to restore normalcy on the critical Chennai–Tiruchy corridor, a vital link for commuters and goods transport in Tamil Nadu.

The Mailam police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act and are investigating potential lapses, including whether the driver adhered to safety protocols or if mechanical issues played a role. Statements from Rajapandi, Manivannan, and passengers are being recorded to piece together the sequence of events. Preliminary reports suggest the bus may have been navigating a curve when the accident occurred, but further details are awaited.

This incident has reignited discussions about the safety of government-operated buses in Tamil Nadu, with critics pointing to aging fleets, inadequate driver training, and poor road maintenance as persistent issues. Local residents near Jakkampettai have long complained about the stretch’s accident-prone nature, citing insufficient signage and uneven road surfaces. The accident comes amid growing calls for stricter oversight of public transport and infrastructure upgrades on Tamil Nadu’s highways.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging passengers to report any concerns about bus conditions or driver behavior to prevent future tragedies. The injured are being closely monitored, and the state government has assured support for their recovery. For now, the focus remains on uncovering why this journey from Pattukkottai to Chennai turned into a nightmare for 21 passengers, leaving the community demanding answers and safer roads.

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