Two persons died after an ambulance rammed a stationary lorry on Coimbatore-Trichy Road near Palladam in Tiruppur district around 5 a.m. on Friday.

According to the police, Murugan (65), a lorry driver from Pattukkottai in Thanjavur district, had sustained a spinal injury after falling while unloading gunny bags. After a preliminary check-up in his hometown, he was advised to seek further treatment at a private hospital in Coimbatore.

The police said Murugan was being taken to Coimbatore in an ambulance hired from Pattukkottai on Thursday night. He was accompanied by his wife Kalyani (58) and daughter Pavitha (33). Around 5 a.m. on Friday, while travelling on Coimbatore-Trichy Road, the ambulance — driven by Kaviarasan (19) — crashed into a lorry parked on the roadside at Perumbali near Palladam.

Murugan died on the spot. All the others were rescued by locals. Kalyani, who suffered a head injury, was taken to the government hospital in Palladam. She was declared brought dead.

Initial reports suggest that the driver may have dozed off at the wheel, leading to the collision. Kaviarasan and helper Vijay (20) reportedly sustained multiple fractures and are under treatment. Pavitha sustained minor injuries and is in stable condition.

The police have registered a case and are investigating.