Kharge Grieves Over Fatal Road Accident in Coimbatore Involving Kerala Tourists
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New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge voiced his sorrow over the devastating road accident in Coimbatore, which resulted in the loss of nine tourists from Kerala after their van tragically fell into a gorge.
In a statement on the social media platform ‘X’, Kharge expressed, “I am deeply saddened by the heart-wrenching road accident in Coimbatore where nine tourists from Kerala tragically lost their lives when a van fell into a gorge. My sincere condolences to the grieving families, and I pray for the swift recovery of those who are injured.”
He also remarked, “This unfortunate incident highlights the pressing need for more effective road safety regulations. Authorities must ensure that affected families receive immediate compensation and assistance.”
On April 17, a group of tourists from Malappuram district in Kerala encountered a fatal accident in Tamil Nadu’s Valparai, leading to nine fatalities and several injuries.
The victims were part of a group comprising teachers and their families from Perinthalmanna on a recreational outing.
According to initial reports, the mini traveler van they were in faced an accident at the 13th hairpin bend on the Pollachi–Valparai ghat road.
The vehicle, coming from the Thrissur direction, reportedly lost control, collided with the guard rail, and plunged down towards the 8th hairpin bend.
The crash resulted in severe damage to the vehicle.
There were 12 teachers and a driver in the van, including staff and family members associated with the GLP School at Pang in Malappuram.
The injured individuals were taken to a government hospital in Pollachi, with some reported to be in critical condition.
A team of relatives and friends of the victims has already departed for Coimbatore, where the injured and the deceased are being transported.
The Pollachi–Valparai route is notorious for its steep slopes and over 40 sharp hairpin bends, making it a daunting journey for drivers unfamiliar with the ghat roads.
The accident, which took place around Friday evening, has sent shockwaves throughout Kerala, especially in the Malappuram district.