Salem: In a tragic accident on the Salem-Coimbatore National Highway near Ariyanur, seven people, including two children, were killed when a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus lost control and collided with vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. Two others are reported to be in critical condition.
The accident occurred near a petrol bunk along the National Highway stretch near Ariyanur, Salem. According to reports, a government bus was approaching from the opposite direction when it suddenly lost control and swerved erratically across the road. In the process, the bus struck a two-wheeler, resulting in the tragic loss of lives.
In a tragic accident, eight people, including a child, were killed on the Salem-Coimbatore National Highway when a #TNSTC bus rammed into a goods vehicle and a bike on Friday morning.
Two more people were in a critical condition. @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress #Salem pic.twitter.com/LWoZl5v0hc
— S Mannar Mannan (@mannar_mannan) March 20, 2026
Salem bus accident
The deceased have been identified as 11-month-old Jeevika, 5-year-old Nithishka, Irusayi, Amutha, Murugan, Selvaraj, and Manikandan. The bodies of the victims have been sent to the government hospital for post-mortem examination.
Emergency services rushed to the scene following the accident. Two individuals who sustained severe injuries have been admitted to a nearby hospital and are reported to be in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the bus losing control on the highway.