A tourist bus careened off a steep gorge in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district on Saturday leaving at least eight individuals dead and several others injured. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the tragic mishap. Among the casualties were four women and a minor, all of them hailing from Kadayam in the Tenkasi district, news agency PTI reported police as informing. Swift response teams, including local residents, police personnel, and fire and rescue services, rushed to the scene to extend their support.
The ill-fated bus was transporting passengers from Kadayam in Tenkasi district, and they were on their way back home when the accident occurred. The driver of the vehicle is said to have lost control, causing the bus to careen off the road and tumble into the gorge, PTI reported.
According to officials cited by news agency ANI, the bus had been carrying a total of 55 passengers, with 35 of them sustaining injuries requiring medical intervention. Immediate efforts were focused on rescuing the injured passengers trapped in the wreckage.
Palani Samy, Joint Director of Coonoor Government Hospital, confirmed the tragic loss of eight lives, ANI reported.
The injured individuals were transported to the Coonoor government hospital for necessary medical attention. The bus plummeted into a ravine at Marapalam near Coonoor, plunging approximately 100 feet, ANI reported
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced an ex gratia amount of Rs 8 lakh each for the kin of the dead and Rs 1 lakh each for the seriously injured while Rs 50,000 for those moderately injured, as per PTI.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Stalin issued directives for injured passengers to receive specialised medical care. He entrusted the oversight of the rescue and relief efforts to Tourism Minister K Ramachandran.
In an effort to streamline information and assistance, the district administration has established a dedicated helpline at 1077 for inquiries related to the accident. Additional information can also be obtained by contacting 0423-2450034, PTI reported.
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