One person died and seven others were injured after an open jeep carrying tourists plunged into a gorge on the Koodaranji-Kakkadampoyil route in Kozhikode district on Sunday night. Five of the injured are in a critical condition.

The accident occurred at around 8.30 pm near the church at Peedikappara, a stretch known for its steep descent and sharp bends.

The victims are reportedly residents of Marad in Kozhikode who had visited Kakkadampoyil for a trip and were returning when the accident occurred.

Jeep loses control on steep, winding stretch

According to preliminary information, the driver lost control of the open jeep while negotiating the steep and winding road. The vehicle then veered off the road and plunged into the gorge.

Hearing the noise, local residents rushed to the spot and joined the rescue efforts. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Five injured in critical condition

Seven people sustained injuries in the accident. Five of them are reported to be in a critical condition, while the other two suffered injuries that were not considered as serious.

The injured were admitted to a private medical college hospital in Mukkam, according to reports.