Coimbatore: A 32-year-old devotee died of breathlessness while trekking the Velliangiri Hills in Coimbatore district on Friday morning.
Victim Identified
The deceased was identified as A Mayilsamy, a taxi driver from Kannamanaickanur near Madukkarai in Coimbatore district. According to sources, he reportedly ignored medical warnings and family pleas before undertaking the trek.
Details of the Incident
Forest officials said Mayilsamy began the trek alone on Thursday night. When he reached the Muzhangal Thittu area on the fourth hill, he developed severe respiratory distress and collapsed. Fellow pilgrims alerted the forest department. Officials then helped rush him down the foothills on a dolly, but doctors declared him dead.
This was Mayilsamy's second attempt to climb the hills in just two weeks. During his previous trek 14 days earlier, he had reportedly suffered chest pain and breathlessness, forcing him to turn back and seek medical treatment.
Despite repeated warnings from his family and advice from doctors to avoid strenuous physical activity, Mayilsamy is said to have left home without informing anyone and attempted the trek again. Alandurai police have registered a case and sent the body for a postmortem.
Medical Screenings and Concerns
An official who requested anonymity said the administration has arranged for medical examinations at the Velliangiri foothills for devotees planning to trek the seven hills. However, many visitors bypass these physical screenings. "When medical staff identify individuals as unfit for the climb and attempt to restrict their access, it often leads to heated arguments," he said.
He further suggested that the forest department and district administration implement a mandatory online booking system. Devotees should be required to undergo a physical examination and upload a medical clearance certificate before their booking is confirmed. Such an initiative would ensure better regulation and significantly reduce mortality rate among trekkers.
Advice for Devotees
Forest officials have urged devotees with heart or respiratory conditions to exercise extreme caution before undertaking the difficult seven-hill trek. Check Madhyamik Result 2026 online at TOI and real-time WB 10th result updates. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Coimbatore | Silver Rate in Coimbatore | Bank Holidays in Coimbatore | Public Holidays in Coimbatore | Coimbatore AQI | Weather in Coimbatore
