Bus Carrying Sabarimala Pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh Overturns, 43 People Injured

GG News Bureau

Pathanamthitta, 19th Nov. A bus carrying Sabarimala pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh on Saturday met with an accident and overturned near Laha in this district, injuring 43 people, including a boy.

Among them is an eight-year-old boy named Manikandan, whose condition is critical.

The mishap occurred while the 44 pilgrims from Vijayawada were on their way back from the hill shrine.

District health officials confirmed that 43 people were injured in the accident, which occurred after the driver lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a curve on the route.

According to Health Minister Veena George, all passengers on the bus were rescued within an hour of the accident, and the vehicle was evacuated from the scene by 10 a.m.

The condition of the boy, who suffered multiple injuries, is critical and he would undergo a surgery soon at the Government Medical College, Kottayam, she said.

“Five persons including the boy were referred to the Kottayam Medical College. Some among them require surgery,” the Minister said in a Facebook post.

A team of doctors and nurses of the Pathanamthitta General Hospital and Konni Medical College, are making arrangements for the treatment, she said As of now, 38 persons are currently undergoing treatment at Pathanamthitta General Hospital, she said, adding that arrangements have been made for those escaped unhurt and steps would be taken to send them to their native place soon.

Earlier, police, fire personnel, motor vehicle department officials, and locals worked together to coordinate a quick rescue mission, which reduced the severity of the accident.

In addition to George, top officials such as the district Collector and the district police chief arrived on the scene and oversaw the rescue operations.