A tragic road accident occurred near Periyakanal in Munnar, Idukki district, on Thursday evening when a mini bus carrying tourists from Tamil Nadu veered off the Kochi-Dhanushkodi national highway and plunged into a tea plantation. The incident resulted in the deaths of two women and injuries to 22 others.
Details of the Accident
The accident took place around 4 pm when a group of 28 tourists from Virudhunagar and Aruppukottai in Tamil Nadu was returning after visiting Munnar. The mini bus was carrying 18 women, four men, and six children. According to officials, the driver lost control of the vehicle at a sharp curve. The bus first rammed into a culvert before falling more than 50 feet into the tea estate below.
Victims and Rescue Operations
The deceased were identified as Stella Mary (58) and Bhagya Jyothi (50), both natives of Virudhunagar district. Locals and motorists who witnessed the accident immediately began rescue operations to evacuate passengers trapped inside the vehicle. Mary, who suffered severe head injuries, was rushed to Tata High Range Hospital in Munnar but succumbed to her injuries. Twenty-two other injured individuals are currently undergoing treatment at the same hospital.
Seriously Injured Shifted to Theni
Six seriously injured persons, including Jyothi, were shifted to Theni Medical College Hospital in Tamil Nadu for advanced care. Jyothi later succumbed to her injuries at that facility. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, and further details are awaited.
