Chennai: In Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district, a tragic bus accident on September 30 claimed the lives of nine individuals, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express his condolences and announce an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the families of each victim. The accident occurred when a tourist bus bound for Tenkasi veered off the road and toppled into a gorge after the driver lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the initial death of eight people, with one more woman succumbing to her injuries later.

Pained by the loss of lives due to a bus accident near Coonoor in Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Those…

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 1, 2023

The victims had been on a leisure trip to the picturesque hilly district and were on their way home when the tragic mishap unfolded. Local residents, along with members of the police department and fire and rescue services, swiftly responded to the scene, rescuing the injured. The bus had overturned in the accident, and rescue workers used ropes to reach the ill-fated vehicle and assist the passengers.

Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims and announced relief measures, including Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for those with severe injuries. Minor injury victims will receive Rs 50,000 in compensation, and the Chief Minister instructed that the injured be provided with specialized medical treatment. Tourism Minister K Ramachandran was appointed to oversee the rescue and relief operations. Additionally, the district administration established a dedicated helpline, 1077, for information regarding the accident, with further details available at 0423-2450034. This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance, especially while navigating hilly terrain.

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