Miraculous Escape for Sabarimala Pilgrims in Kerala Bus Accident
In a heart-stopping incident that could have turned into a major tragedy, nineteen Sabarimala pilgrims from Tamil Nadu had a miraculous escape when their minibus crashed into safety fencing at Mundakayam in Kerala during the early hours of Friday.
The Fateful Journey and Accident Details
The accident occurred around 3 AM when the bus driver lost control while negotiating a steep road section. The vehicle carrying 19 pilgrims from Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu crashed into the safety barriers, preventing what could have been a catastrophic fall into a 20-foot deep gorge.
Police officials had previously directed the driver to slow down the vehicle before approaching the dangerous stretch of road. However, the accident happened soon after these warnings were issued, highlighting the challenging terrain that pilgrims must navigate to reach the famous hill shrine.
Injuries and Immediate Response
Despite the severity of the crash, only two individuals sustained injuries - including one child. Both victims suffered minor injuries and were promptly hospitalized for medical treatment. The relatively low injury count represents nothing short of a miracle given the potential consequences of such an accident.
Johnny Thomas, the motor vehicle inspector from Erumeli motor vehicle department's safe zone control room, led the rescue operations. He was assisted by assistant motor vehicle inspectors S Jithin and K Rahul, along with drivers Jins and Binumon, who quickly arrived at the scene to provide necessary assistance.
Continuation of Pilgrimage
Demonstrating remarkable resilience and devotion, the pilgrims continued their spiritual journey to Sabarimala in another vehicle after the accident. Their determination to complete the pilgrimage despite the terrifying experience underscores the deep significance of the Sabarimala journey for devotees.
The incident serves as a crucial reminder about the importance of road safety measures in hilly terrain, particularly during pilgrimage seasons when vehicle traffic increases significantly. The safety fencing, which ultimately prevented the bus from plunging into the gorge, proved instrumental in averting what could have been a major tragedy.
