Road accident kills 9 in India

At least nine people were killed and 20 others injured Monday after a speeding truck hit a mini-bus in southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, officials said.

The ill-fated vehicle was hit near Tuticorin district, about 608 km southwest of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.

"Nine people lost their lives early this morning after the vehicle carrying them was hit by a truck from behind," an official said.

"Eight people were crushed to death on the spot including an infant and four women, while as one more person succumbed to the injuries in hospital."

Reports said the mini-bus had stopped briefly alongside a road when it was hit by the speeding truck.

"Twenty others who suffered injuries in the accident were admitted to nearby Aruppukottai government hospital," the official said.

The local government has ordered probe into the accident, officials said.

Earlier in the morning, at least seven people were killed and over 30 others injured after a bus carrying them overturned in eastern Indian state of Jharkhand.

Deadly road accidents are common in India often caused due to overloading, bad condition of roads and reckless driving.

Global Road Safety Report -- 2015 released by WHO last year said India accounts for more than 200,000 deaths annually due to road accidents. Endit