Tragic Padayatra Incident: Five Devotees Killed by Speeding Van

A tragic accident occurred on the Thanjavur-Tiruchirappalli highway, claiming the lives of five devotees, including four women, who were on a pilgrimage. The speeding van that caused the accident also injured one woman, who is currently being treated. An ex-gratia compensation has been announced for the victims' families.

Five devotees, including four women, were tragically killed by a speeding van while they were on a 'padayatra' along the Thanjavur-Tiruchirappalli national highway early on Wednesday.

Police reported that the victims, hailing from Pudukottai district, were en route to the Samayapuram Mariamman temple when the incident occurred.

The van, traveling towards Tiruchirappalli, struck them fatally at Valambakudi village, approximately 30 km from the accident site, early in the morning.

One woman, who sustained injuries, has been admitted to Thanjavur government medical college hospital.

A case has been registered and an investigation is underway, authorities said. The Chief Minister, M K Stalin, expressed his grief over the tragic incident and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs two lakh each to the families of the deceased victims.

In a statement, he also declared an ex-gratia amount of Rs one lakh for the injured woman undergoing treatment.