KARUR:A freak accident along NH 7 on Thursday claimed the lives of six persons, including a civil judge and three women.
Six others, who sustained severe injuries, were admitted to various private and government hospitals here. One of the injured is said to be in a serious condition.
Sources said Additional District Magistrate and civil judge M Prakash of Salem was travelling in a Mahindra XUV driven by Dr Pradeep Kumar (28), also from Salem.
Around 11.30 am, at Pungambadi diversion near Aravakurichi along the Salem-Madurai stretch of NH7, the vehicle rammed into the median. Subsequently, it landed in the opposite lane and collided with another car. Palanisamy of Dindigul was behind the wheels of the car that was heading towards Kodumudi, with nine occupants from the same family from Dindigul district, sources added.
In the tragic accident, two persons were killed on the spot while four others died in various hospitals.
The dead were identified as Palanisamy, the driver, Santhi (25), wife of Prakash, and Suriya, son of Prakash (6), Valliammal (38), wife of Mugil, and Rajammal (48), wife of Rajan - all hailing from Dindigul district, besides the judge M Prakash (32).
Meanwhile, the injured - K Selvan (18), Prakash (36), S Rajalakshmi (49), Punjalingam (40), K Ram (48) - all from Dindigul, and Dr Pradeep Kumar (28), are undergoing treatment in various hospitals.
Among them, Prakash, who is admitted to a private hospital here is said to be battling for life. Aravakurichi police have registered a case and are investigating.
District Collector S Jayanthi visited the accidents victims at the Karur GH and other private hospitals, while Superintendent of Police Vandhidha Pandey visited the accident spot.