Woman dies, daughter injured as SETC bus rams bike

Salem: A woman died and her daughter suffered injuries when a government bus rammed their motorcycle at Ammampalayam near Attur in Salem district, on Sunday night.The deceased has been identified as P Krishnaveni, 46, of Ammampalayam. Police said the accident took place when Krishnaveni and her daughter Bhanupriya, 19, were heading to Attur on a moped. Bhanupriya was riding the two-wheeler with her mother riding pillion. Both were not wearing a helmet. "Around 8.30pm when they crossed the Salem-Chennai national highway at Ammampalayam, a speeding State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) bus heading to Chennai from Salem rammed their motorcycle," said Attur DSP Satish Kumar. He added that Krishnaveni succumbed to injuries on the spot, while Bhanupriya survived with injuries and was taken to the government hospital in Attur for treatment. Following the incident, the woman's relatives blocked the Salem-Chennai national highway demanding the construction of a bridge at the accident-prone junction in Ammampalayam. Protesters also flagged the lack of streetlights at the location, making it difficult for heavy vehicle drivers. They called for the installation of a high-mast lamp to prevent future tragedies. They dispersed an hour later after police assured them of appropriate action. Attur rural police have registered a case and are investigating.