VELLORE: Six persons died and three others suffered injuries in an accident involving three cars, a two-wheeler and a truck in Rathnagiri on Sunday. The vehicle movement on Chennai-Bengaluru bypass road was affected for about two hours after the incident.
Police sources said S Ravichandran, a native of Nandhiyalam near Arcot, was on his way to Walajah on Bengaluru-Chennai bypass road in a bike around 2.30 pm, when the accident occurred. As he tried to take a U-turn in Nandhiyalam, a speeding Indica car with Tamil Nadu registration number applied a sudden brake to avoid hitting his two-wheeler. In the impact, driver Gnanaraj of Kancheepuram lost control of the vehicle.
In no time, a Scorpio came from behind and rammed the car. The sports utility vehicle was driven by Govindaraj, a businessman from Bengaluru, who was accompanied by his relatives Laxmi Praba and Bhagyalakshmi. The two-wheeler rider was thrown off in the impact.
Meanwhile, a Mercedes Benz hit the two cars from behind. The last two vehicles involved in the accident had Karnataka registration number. A truck also had a close shave with the last car, but its slow pace avoided more damage.
Soon after the accident, the passersby and locals reached the spot and rescued those trapped in the cars.
Govindaraj, Gnanaraj, Ravichandran and one more person died on the spot. Another two succumbed to injuries on their way to the Government Vellore Medical College Hospital. Three persons are under treatment in the critical care unit of the GVMCH.
Labour Minister Nilofer Kafeel, Superintendent of Police P Pakalavan and other officials inspected the spot.