KOLLAM: A tragic accident took place early Wednesday morning (December 4, 2024) in Aryankavu, Kollam, Kerala, when a bus carrying pilgrims returning from Sabarimala collided with a lorry and fell into a gorge. One person was killed, and 18 others were injured, with three in critical condition.

The deceased has been identified as Dhanapal, a resident of Salem, Tamil Nadu. The bus, which was en route from Salem after a pilgrimage to Sabarimala, plunged about 100 meters into a gorge beside a dried-up riverbed. There were 30 passengers aboard the bus, and the injured were rushed to Punalur Taluk Hospital, with some being sent to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital for further treatment.

According to reports, the accident occurred when a cement lorry approached from the wrong side and crashed into the bus around 3:45 am. Locals rushed to the scene and assisted in the rescue efforts.

"This area has been prone to accidents, with three similar incidents reported in the past three months. We have requested the authorities to station an ambulance here due to the frequency of these accidents," said Suja Thomas, President of Aryankavu Panchayat.

The rise in accidents along the routes leading to Sabarimala has raised serious concerns for the transport department and KSRTC, which operates most of the services. The narrow roads, lack of signals, and absence of safety boards are some of the challenges contributing to the incidents.

“We are working to ensure the safety of pilgrims and have implemented several measures to improve security,” said S. Sreejith, the state transport commissioner.

In light of the growing concern, the transport department is set to hold a meeting today to discuss urgent safety measures to prevent further accidents.