Six dead, over 35 injured as private buses collide in Tenkasi

At least six people died on the spot and more than 35 people were injured when two private buses collided head-on near Duraisamypuram in Tenkasi district on Monday, November 24, 2025.

According to police, two buses, the first one heading towards Kovilpatti from Tenkasi and the other heading towards Tenkasi from Rajapalayam, crashed into each other while the vehicles were passing through Duraisamypuram village near Kadayanallur on the Madurai-Kollam national highway.

As a result of the head-on collision of two buses, 6 people, 5 women and 1 man, died at the scene. The deceased were identified as Vanraj (67) from Puthukudi in Tenkasi, Thenmozhi (55) from Kadayanallur, Mallika (55) from Puliyankudi, Karapagavalli (32) from Sankarankoil.

The identities of the other two women have not yet been determined. More than 35 people, including some seriously injured, were injured in the accident. 8 of the passengers were referred to Tirunelveli Government Medical College and Hospital for intensive treatment and the remaining passengers were referred to government hospitals in Tenkasi and Kadayanallur.

The shattered remains of the buses were excavated and traffic resumed.

Tenkasi District Collector AK Kamal Kishore and Superintendent of Police (SP) S. Aravind inspected the accident spot, officials said.

A case has been registered at Ilathur police station and investigations are ongoing.

Condolence message from CM

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin condoled the deaths in a post on X. Mr. Stalin said he was pained by the crash that killed six people. “The government will support the injured so that they can recover as soon as possible,” he said.

The Chief Minister added that he has instructed the Tenkasi Collector to visit the hospital and provide medical treatment to all those injured in the accident.

He also directed Minister KKSSR Ramachandran, who is also in charge of Tenkasi district, to go to the scene to coordinate relief operations.