Chennai, Dec 6 || Five people were killed and seven others injured on Saturday after two cars collided near Keelakarai in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district.
Officials fear the death toll may climb as some of the injured remain in a serious state.
According to police, one of the vehicles was carrying Ayyappa pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh bound for Rameswaram, while the other was headed toward Iraavadi.
The impact left both cars mangled, prompting a swift response after locals alerted emergency services.
Preliminary investigation suggests that driver fatigue or drowsiness may have contributed, a danger often heightened during late-night or early-morning travel.
Authorities have launched a full-scale inquiry to determine the exact cause.