A speeding van hit a crowd in Salem killing two women and injuring five during a quarrel near a bus stop on the Salem-Chennai National Highway
Two Women Killed in Van Accident
Two women were killed and five others were injured when a speeding van hit a group of people who were witnessing a quarrel on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Victims Identified
The deceased were identified as K. Gayathri, 35, a resident of Karumapuram, and M. Chinnapillai, 55, her mother-in-law.
Details of the Incident
According to the police, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Gayathri and Chinnapillai were waiting at the Pathangalmedu bus stop near Karumapuram on the Salem-Chennai National Highway. Semman, 60, a resident of M. Perumapalayam, drove by on a two-wheeler in a rash manner. The two women quarreled with Semman, and local people gathered around them.
Van Collision
During this time, a speeding van driven by Arulkumar from Vazhapadi collided slightly with a container lorry. He lost control of his vehicle and rammed into the crowd watching the quarrel.
Injuries and Hospitalization
In the accident, Gayathri and Chinnapillai sustained serious injuries. Gayathri died on the spot, while Chinnapillai died on the way to the hospital. Five others, including Semman and Arulkumar, were injured and taken to a private hospital in Minnampalli and Salem Government Hospital. The Karipatti police sent the bodies to Salem Government Hospital for post-mortem and registered a case.
| Victim | Age | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K. Gayathri | 35 | Deceased |
| M. Chinnapillai | 55 | Deceased |
| Semman | 60 | Injured |
| Arulkumar | N/A | Injured |
| Others | N/A | Injured |
