A late-evening road accident on the Trichy&ndash;Chennai National Highway in Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Cuddalore district claimed nine lives on Wednesday, triggering a swift response from the state government. Chief Minister MK Stalin announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased and ordered enhanced medical care for those injured.
The accident occurred around 7.30 pm near Eluthur village in Thittakudi taluk, when a State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) bus travelling from Trichy to Chennai collided with two cars. All nine victims, five men and four women, travelling in the cars, died on the spot. Four others were injured and rushed to nearby government hospitals.
The Cuddalore district administration confirmed that the injured are receiving treatment at government medical facilities. Two of the injured are children, and special care has been directed for their recovery.
Expressing grief over the tragedy, the Chief Minister announced ex gratia relief from the Chief Minister&rsquo;s Public Relief Fund. Families of the deceased will receive Rs 3 lakh each, while those critically injured and undergoing treatment will receive Rs 1 lakh each.
Authorities said medical support and assistance to the affected families remain the priority, while routine procedures are underway to determine the exact cause of the collision.

Trichy–Chennai NH crash in Cuddalore prompts CM Stalin relief announcement

9 killed in SETC bus-car crash in Tamil Nadu

Trichy–Chennai NH crash in Cuddalore prompts CM Stalin relief announcement

December 25, 2025 | 16:05 IST