New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge offered his condolences on Saturday following a catastrophic road accident in Valparai that claimed the lives of nine tourists, mostly teachers, from Kerala when their vehicle plunged into a ravine.

Utilising the social media platform X, Kharge expressed his grief over the incident and called for immediate improvements to national transit security.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Coimbatore where nine tourists from Kerala lost their lives, as a van fell into a gorge," Kharge stated. "My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured."

The opposition leader emphasised that the disaster "underscores the urgent need for stronger road safety measures" and urged government authorities to provide "prompt compensation and support for the affected families."

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Details of the Tragedy

The accident occurred on Friday evening along the treacherous Pollachi–Valparai ghat road. The victims were part of a group from the Malappuram district of Kerala, including faculty and family members associated with the GLP School in Pang, Perinthalmanna.

Preliminary investigations indicate the mini traveller van, which was carrying 12 educators and a driver, was navigating the 13th hairpin bend when the operator lost control. The vehicle breached the guard rail and plummeted several hundred feet toward the 8th hairpin bend, leaving the van completely mangled.

Rescue and Response

Emergency responders transported the survivors to a government hospital in Pollachi, where several individuals remain in critical condition. Relatives and friends of the group have departed from Malappuram for Coimbatore to assist with the injured and claim the remains of the deceased.

The Pollachi–Valparai route is notorious for its steep incline and more than 40 sharp hairpin turns, posing significant risks to motorists who are unfamiliar with the region's unique geography. The loss of life has caused widespread mourning across Kerala as the community grapples with the sudden loss of the school staff members.

With inputs from IANS