Two killed as bike rams stationary truck in Dindigul district

Dindigul: A 22-year-old rider and a 72-year-old loadman were killed after a two-wheeler rammed into a stationary truck at Samuthirappatti near Natham in Dindigul district late on Tuesday.Police identified the deceased as Chithiraivel, a sculptor from Moongilpatti, and Ponnukaalai, a loadman from Velayuthampatti in Sivaganga district.Police said the truck, carrying firewood from Sivaganga to Coimbatore, was parked on the roadside after it developed a puncture. As repair work was under way, Chithiraivel, who was riding towards Natham, crashed into the rear of the truck at high speed, police saidThe impact also knocked down Ponnukaalai, who was assisting with the repairs. Chithiraivel died on the spot, while Ponnukaalai suffered critical injuries. He was taken to the Natham Govt Hospital and later referred to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai but died on the way to the hospital, police said.Police registered a case and are investigating.