Five killed, 8 injured in car-van collision

The accident occurred when the car collided with a tourist van around 12.30 am. The victims, all from Sivakasi and passengers of the car, have been identified as Sudalaimani, Anthony, Ayyappan, Muthukumar and Prabu, according to Inspector of Police V. Marichamy. While four persons died on the spot, Prabu died at a hospital in Madurai. Among 16 passengers in the van, eight, including the driver, were hurt.

On receiving information, the Rajapalayam South police rushed to the spot and also alerted the Fire and Rescue Services personnel, who retrieved the bodies, stuck inside the car.Vehicular traffic was affected for over an hour until the accident site was cleared.