Pollachi/ Malappuram: The village of Pang in Malappuram is in a state of profound shock following a devastating road accident in Tamil Nadu’s Valparai. Residents were left reeling as news broke that a pleasure trip involving teachers and staff from the Pang Pallipparamba GLP School had met with a fatal accident. The confirmation of nine deaths has turned the village into a sea of grief.

As it was the school holidays, the staff and teachers of Pang GLP School had set out for Valparai. The group of 13 reportedly left on Friday morning in a traveler van via Athirappilly. The vehicle was driven by Mohammed Fahis, a native of Chengottur. After visiting Athirappilly, the group reached Valparai via Malakkappara. The accident occurred while they were traveling from Valparai toward Pollachi.

According to Valparai Police, the accident took place between 5.15 pm and 5.30 pm. While descending the ghat road, the driver lost control at the 13th hairpin bend, causing the vehicle to plummet directly onto the 9th hairpin bend below. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the fall.

Eight people, including one man and seven women, died at the scene. The police confirmed that the injured, including the driver and two young boys, were rushed to the Pollachi Government Hospital.

Local residents noted that the group included teachers from the Pang Pallipparamba school as well as some teachers from other schools. In addition to the teachers, a school nanny (ayah) and a school bus driver were also part of the group. Some had brought their children along for the trip. Villagers shared a final group photo taken by the teachers at Athirappilly, a haunting reminder of the joy before the tragedy.