Five individuals sustained injuries when the tourist van they were riding in collided with shops and an electricity pole in Athiyur village near Tirupattur on Sunday.
Authorities reported that the 23-year-old driver, a resident of Katpadi in Vellore, was operating the van for temple tours and events. The incident occurred as he was returning from Thiruchendur with 13 devotees along Tirupattur Main Road and lost control.
The van struck a tire repair shop and an electricity pole before coming to a stop after hitting a biryani shop. The crash took place around 4 a.m., injuring five passengers.
Locals and bystanders quickly aided the injured, who were taken to the Government Taluk Hospital in Tirupattur. Tirupattur Town police responded to the scene. Electricity officials cut power to the affected pole. A case has been filed.
Investigators believe the driver may have dozed off. The van was removed to clear the road, and an investigation continues.
