A bus carrying Sabarimala pilgrims fell into a gorge at Elavunkal near Nilakkal in the Pathanamthitta district. Seven children are among the 68 passengers on the bus.
The accident occurred when the bus carrying devotees from Tamilnadu was returning after the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The accident took place on Ilavunkal-Erumeli road.
Around 20 people who were injured in the accident have been taken off the bus and shifted to Kottayam Medical College Hospital. Some of the injured have been admitted to Pathanamthitta District General Hospital.
Health Minister Veena George directed the District Medical Officer to make necessary arrangements to ensure expert treatment for those injured in the bus accident in Pathanamthitta. A team of experts from Konni Medical College will reach Pathanamthitta General Hospital. Kottayam Medical College has also been instructed to get ready.
On Sunday (March 26), Sabarimala Ayyappa temple was reopened to celebrate the annual Uthram festival. The flag hoisting was conducted on Monday after opening all Upadevatha temples on its premises while the Ulsavabali ritual began on Tuesday.
Earlier in November 2022, a bus with 44 Sabarimala pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh met with an accident near Laha in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. All the injured were then admitted to a nearby hospital.
The three persons including the eight-year-old boy were in critical condition. All of them were shifted to Kottayam Medical College. Another 18 injured persons were sent to the general hospital in Pathanamthitta. The remaining patients were admitted to the community health centre at Perinadu.
The rescue operations were swiftly undertaken by the joint effort of police, fire personnel and motor vehicle department officials. The locals also helped the officials with the rescue operation.
Kerala Health Minister, Veena George, made arrangements for the treatment of the pilgrims. As per PTI report, Veena George said, necessary treatment was ensured for all those who suffered injuries.