Thanjavur (TN) | Five devotees, including a woman, on 'padayatra' were fatally knocked down by a speeding van along Thanjavur-Tiruchi national highway in the district early on Wednesday.

According to police, the victims hailing from Pudukottai district were proceeding to Samayapuram Mariamman temple by road when the accident took place.

The van heading to Tiruchi mowed them down at Valambakudi village, 30 km from here, early this morning.

One person who sustained injuries has been admitted to Thanjavur government medical college hospital.

A case was registered and investigation is on, they said.