Kollam: A man, who was going for Pilgrimage in Sabarimala, was killed and 16 others were injured in a bus accident on Wednesday early morning. The accident occurred after the bus carrying the pilgrims collided with a lorry at Aryankavu in Kollam.
The deceased has been identified as Dhanapal, a native of Salem in Tamil Nadu. Sources said the bus overturned after colliding with the lorry. About 30 Salem natives were travelling in the bus. Around 16 people were injured in the accident and three of them are in critical condition, sources added.
The injured have been admitted to Punalur Taluk Hospital. Seriously injured have been shifted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. Immediately after the accident, police and locals reached the spot and carried out rescue operations.
Preliminary reports suggest the accident was caused by negligence on the part of the lorry driver. The impact sent the bus careening nearly 40 feet down a steep slope, leaving passengers, including children and elderly individuals, trapped and severely injured.
Following the accident, a swift and coordinated rescue operation was launched.
Police officers stationed at the nearby check post, along with local residents and personnel from various departments, worked tirelessly to save lives.
The injured were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention. Authorities have launched an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Initial findings indicate driver error on the part of the lorry operator as a possible cause.
