Over 20 feared trapped as bus plunges 30 feet into river in Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu

More than 20 passengers were feared trapped after a Tamil Nadu government bus carrying 32 people overturned and plunged about 30 feet into the Azhutha Kanni river near Vettaikarankulam in Tenkasi district on Sunday, triggering a major rescue operation. At least 17 passengers were reported injured in the accident, while the bus driver suffered severe injuries and was shifted to the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital for further treatment. The bus was operating on the Tenkasi-Tirunelveli route when it overturned and fell from the road into the river below. Police, fire and rescue services rushed personnel to the site soon after receiving information about the accident.

Bus falls 30 feet from road

According to preliminary information, the government bus was carrying 32 passengers when the accident occurred near Vettaikarankulam.

The vehicle overturned before plunging into the Azhutha Kanni river, which lies around 30 feet below the road. The circumstances that caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle were not immediately clear.

The depth of the fall and the position in which the bus landed complicated rescue efforts as emergency personnel attempted to reach passengers feared trapped inside the vehicle.

Local residents also gathered at the accident site as police secured the area and rescue personnel worked to bring passengers out.

Authorities had not immediately confirmed any fatalities.

17 passengers injured

Police said 17 passengers sustained injuries in the accident. The injured were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while those requiring specialised care were being referred to larger medical facilities.

The driver, identified as 49-year-old Sivasakthi, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital.

The condition of the other injured passengers was not immediately known.

With more than 20 people initially feared trapped, rescue teams concentrated on accessing the overturned bus and checking its interior while simultaneously searching the surrounding area.

Rescue operation underway

Personnel from the Tenkasi fire and rescue services were deployed at the site, with police and local authorities assisting the operation.

Officials were working to establish the exact number of people still trapped and account for all passengers who had been travelling on the bus.

The accident also prompted authorities to regulate movement around the site to provide rescue vehicles and ambulances unhindered access.

A detailed investigation is expected to determine whether the crash was caused by a mechanical failure, road conditions, excessive speed or another factor.

Further details on casualties and the condition of those rescued were awaited as the emergency operation continued.