Two killed, five sustain injuries in accident in Salem

Two women were killed and five sustained injuries when a speeding van hit a group of persons who witnessed a quarrel here on Tuesday (January 13, 2026).

The deceased were identified as K. Gayathri (35), a resident of Karumapuram, and M. Chinnapillai (55), her mother-in-law.

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. At that time, Semman (60), a resident of M. Perumapalayam, drove by a two-wheeler near the duo in a rash manner. The duo quarrelled with Semman and local people gathered.

At that time, a speeding van driven by Arulkumar of Vazhapadi, collided slightly with a container lorry, lost control of his vehicle and rammed into the crowd, who were watching the quarrel.

In the accident, Gayathiri and Chinnapillai sustained grievous injuries and Gayathri died on the spot, while Chinnapillai died on the way to the hospital. Likewise, five people, including Semman and Arulkumar, sustained injuries and were admitted 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.