Kollam: A bus carrying Ayyappa devotees collided with a lorry and overturned near Aryankavu early Wednesday morning, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. The accident occurred around 3.45 am near the old railway station in Aryankavu.

The deceased has been identified as Dhanapal, a native of Salem, Tamil Nadu. Among the injured, three remain in critical condition and are receiving treatment at Punalur Taluk Hospital. The group was returning to Salem after completing their Ayyappa darshan when the tragedy struck. 

The bus was carrying 30 devotees, out of which 16 sustained injuries. Initial reports suggest that the accident was caused by the lorry, which was transporting cement from Tamil Nadu and reportedly driving in the wrong direction.

Following the collision, the bus fell nearly 100 feet from the road. Rescue efforts were swiftly carried out by police officers and locals stationed at a nearby checkpoint.