Thiruvananthapuram: Four Malayalis were killed after a van in which they were travelling collided with a bus of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) at Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu on Sunday near Koradacheri around 4 am. The deceased are Thiruvananthapuram natives Rajinath, Rajesh, Sajith and Rahul. The four were killed on the accident spot itself, reported Manorama News.

Three passengers of the van - Kanjiramkulam native Rajeenas, Sabi and Sunil from Nellimedu were injured in the accident. They are in critical condition at a government hospital.

The seven-member team met with the accident while heading to Vellankanni Mother Mary Church.Tiruvarur Government Hospital confirmed that the injured were in critical condition and receiving intensive care. 

 “We received three patients with multiple fractures, head injuries, and internal bleeding. Our team is providing continuous monitoring and treatment. Their condition remains critical, and we have alerted their families,” Dr. S Manoharan, duty medical officer of the hospital told IANS.

Eyewitnesses reported that the van appeared to lose control before veering into the path of the oncoming bus, which was travelling towards Thanjavur.

“The impact was massive. Locals rushed to help, but the van was completely mangled,” said R Kannan, a resident who assisted in the rescue operation.

Veraiyur Police said preliminary investigations suggest that driver fatigue or drowsiness may have contributed to the crash. A detailed inquiry is underway to confirm the exact cause, he added.

The bodies of the deceased have been shifted to Tiruvarur District Hospital for post-mortem examination.