13 killed in Tamil Nadu bus accident

Ooty (Tamil Nadu), June 5 : At least 13 people were killed and several seriously injured when a bus fell into a 1500-feet-deep ditch near Ooty in Tamil Nadu.

According to the police and witnesses, the state-run bus was carrying at least 65 passengers from Ooty to Bokkapuram on a route that has steep gradients and 36 hairpin bends.

The bus went out of control after reaching the last hairpin bend and fell into a ditch. The injured have been admitted to hospitals in Ooty and surrounding areas.

Eyewitnesses blamed the mishap on poor maintenance of buses and them being overcrowded.

"The transport officials are responsible for this accident," claimed Siddhiq, an eyewitness.

The death toll is expected to rise further.

ANI