Five devotees injured after van crashes into shops in Tirupattur

The van that was involved in the accident at Athiyur village near Tirupattur town. | Police said that S. Ranjith Kumar, 23, a native of Katpadi in Vellore, operated a tourist van in the area for temple visits and family functions. Initial inquiry revealed that when Kumar was returning from Thiruchendur with a group of 13 devotees on Tirupattur Main Road, he lost control of the vehicle.The police said Kumar rammed the vehicle into a tyre repair shop and an electricity pole on the roadside. The vehicle stopped after crashing into a biryani shop. Five devotees were injured in the incident, which happened around 4 a.m.Immediately, residents and passers-by rescued injured persons. They were admitted to the Government Taluk Hospital in Tirupattur town. Based on the alert, Tirupattur Town police inspected the spot. Power supply to the damaged electrical pole was stopped by officials. A case was registered.Police suspect Kumar may have fallen asleep behind the wheel. The damaged van was towed away to restore traffic flow. A probe is under way. Published - June 29, 2026 12:19 am IST