Thrissur: In a devastating accident in Tamil Nadu’s Valparai, nine Malayalis lost their lives when the tempo traveller they were travelling in overturned and plunged into a deep gorge. According to reports, the deceased comprise seven women, one man and a child.

The victims were teachers and their family members from Pang Pallipparamba LP School, located near Valanchery in Malappuram district, who were on a recreational trip. The group consisted of nine teachers, three children and the driver.

The passengers have been identified as Ajitha (54), Ramla (52), Suhra (43), Asha (41), Majeed (43), Sajitha (45), Shakeela (37), Naushad (39), Rukhiya (39), Hisham (12), Shahadin (11), Masneen (10) and the driver Mohammed Pashith (21).

The group had set off in a vehicle (Registration No: KL 11 AM 7288) owned by Abdul Salam, a native of Perinthalmanna.
The accident reportedly occurred between 5.15 pm and 5.30 pm while the vehicle was descending the mountain pass from Valparai toward Pollachi.

The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle at the 13th hairpin bend, causing it to plunge down to the 9th hairpin bend. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the crash. Five people, including the driver, sustained injuries and have been admitted to a hospital in Pollachi. The condition of some of the injured is reported to be critical.