Salem Shocker: Speeding Auto Flips After Hitting Woman

New Delhi, December 22, 2025: A shocking road accident in Salem, Tamil Nadu, has sparked concerns over road safety after CCTV footage emerged showing a speeding autorickshaw flipping twice after striking a woman on a narrow residential road.

The incident occurred on Sunday, December 21, 2025, near a church in the Nehru Nagar area of Mettur. The footage, which has since gone viral on social media, captures the harrowing moment a recklessly driven vehicle transformed a quiet morning into a scene of chaos.

The Incident: Speed and Impact

The accident took place as a 36-year-old pedestrian, identified as V. Praveena, was walking along the side of a narrow road. The autorickshaw, driven by 38-year-old S. Kannan, was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed while carrying six female passengers returning from a church service.

As the vehicle approached a slight bend, the driver seemingly lost control. The autorickshaw veered sharply, striking Praveena with significant force. The momentum of the speeding vehicle, combined with the sudden impact and sharp steering, caused the rickshaw to flip over twice before coming to a rest on its side.

Casualties and Injuries

Emergency responders and local residents rushed to the scene to assist the victims. In total, eight people were injured in the crash:

• The Pedestrian: V. Praveena, who bore the brunt of the initial impact.
• The Passengers: Six women, identified as Pavayee (38), Govindammal (44), Chellappan (48), Kandayee (65), Rasammal (50), and Asana.
• The Driver: S. Kannan also sustained injuries during the flips.

All victims were transported to the Mettur Government Hospital. While several passengers suffered fractures and lacerations, the most critical focus remained on the pedestrian, who is currently receiving specialized care for trauma sustained during the hit.

Legal Action and Safety Concerns

The Salem City Police have registered a case against the driver, S. Kannan, under relevant sections for reckless and negligent driving. Initial investigations suggest that the narrowness of the road, combined with the vehicle’s excessive speed, left zero margin for error.

This incident has reignited a debate among Salem residents regarding the “auto culture” in the city. Local activists have long called for stricter enforcement of passenger limits and speed governors on three-wheelers, noting that vehicles frequently carry more than the permitted three passengers, making them top-heavy and prone to overturning during sudden maneuvers.

A Community in Shock

Residents of Nehru Nagar have expressed their anger over the incident, noting that the narrow streets are often used by children and elderly pedestrians. “This was a tragedy waiting to happen,” said one local witness. “The speed at which these autos fly through these small lanes is terrifying.”

The police have promised increased patrolling and speed checks in residential zones to prevent similar occurrences.