Bus driver arrested, driving license revoked

COIMBATORE: The driver of the private bus involved in the horrific accident that killed five people, including two toddlers, was arrested by Salem police on Thursday.

The accused Ramesh was arrested, remanded in custody and lodged in Salem Central Jail.

Five persons from two families died when the private bus rammed their two two-wheelers on Wednesday, which in turn collided with a truck travelling on the Tirupattur-Salem road outside Sukkampatti. Though the two-wheelers were travelling at a slower speed, the speeding bus hit them and crushed them between the bus and the truck. When questioned, Ramesh claimed that he was trying to overtake the truck in front of him but suddenly turned and drove towards the truck when he saw another vehicle coming from the opposite direction.

Meanwhile, officials at the Ministry of Transport have taken steps to suspend his license. “We could only temporarily suspend the license. However, only the court can revoke his license permanently and we will recommend that,” said a Ministry of Transport official.