COIMBATORE/PERINTHALMANNA: In a horrific accident, nine people were killed and several others critically injured after a tourist van plunged off a hairpin bend into a deep gorge in the Valparai hills of Coimbatore district. The victims were a group of teachers and staff members from Pang Pallipparamba GLP School in Malappuram, Kerala. According to Valparai police, the vehicle lost control at the 13th hairpin bend and plunged directly onto the 9th hairpin bend below.
The group of 13 tourists from Perinthalmanna was descending the hills after sightseeing when the accident occurred at around 5:15 PM on Friday. The vehicle, driven by 21-year-old Mohammed Fasith, reportedly skidded off the road after crashing through the protection wall. A massive rescue operation was launched under the supervision of the Valparai Deputy Superintendent of Police, with 16 ambulances rushing to the spot to transport the victims to Pollachi Government Hospital.
The post-mortem examinations of all nine victims have been completed and the bodies are being transported to their native village. Public homage will be held at the Ambalaparamba Government Higher Secondary School from 9:00 AM today, where thousands are expected to gather to pay their final respects. Four people, including two children, are currently undergoing treatment. One of the injured, Masneen, has been shifted to Perinthalmanna District Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
The deceased have been identified as Headmistress Ajitha, teachers Ramla, Suhara, Asha, and Abdul Majeed, Majeed’s wife Rukhiya, school cook Sajitha, teacher Shakeena, and Suhara’s son Hisham, an eighth-grade student. Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty assured that the government would provide all necessary assistance to the bereaved families. Health Minister Veena George stated that the best possible medical care would be ensured for the survivors. Tamil Nadu Transport Minister S.S. Sivashankar has also directed authorities to take necessary follow-up actions regarding the incident.
With input from Kerala News Agencies.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com