At least 12 persons were killed and around 20 others injured after a mini lorry they were travelling in was hit by a speeding private bus at Manapparai in the district on Friday.

The incident occurred this morning on the busy Madurai-Tiruchirappally highway when the private bus hit the mini lorry from the rear, police said.

Following the impact, the lorry was pushed into a roadside trench, they said, adding eight persons were killed on the spot.

Two passengers later succumbed to injuries at a hospital, they said, adding about 20 persons sustained injuries in the incident.

The victims, most of whom were standing, were on their way to a temple when the mishap took place.

The driver of the bus went absconding and a hunt is on to nab him, police said.

Senior officials, including District Collector K S Palanisamy visited the spot.

He said a case has been filed to probe the cause of the accident.