A tragic road accident claimed nine lives and left five others grievously injured near Valparai in Coimbatore district on Friday evening.
The accident occurred between 5.15 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. at the 13th hairpin bend on the Valparai–Pollachi Road, within the limits of Kadambarai Police Station under the Valparai Sub-Division. A Tempo Traveller bearing registration number KL 11 AM 7288, carrying 13 tourists from Perinthalmanna in Kerala, met with the mishap while descending the hill after sightseeing.
Police said the vehicle, driven by Mohammed Fasith, 21, son of Abdulsalam, reportedly lost control while negotiating the sharp bend. The vehicle skidded off the road and plunged down towards the 9th hairpin bend.
Eight persons, including one male and seven females, died on the spot due to the impact. Five others sustained serious injuries, including the driver, two male juveniles aged between 17 and 18 years, and two women.
All the injured were rescued and rushed to the Government Hospital in Pollachi by 108 ambulance services for treatment.
On receiving information, the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Valparai Sub-Division, and the Inspector of Police, Valparai, rushed to the scene and supervised rescue and relief operations. Fire and Rescue Services personnel carried out intensive efforts to evacuate the victims.
The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination. Police said further investigation is under way to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
