86 Sabarimala pilgrims killed

Idukki (Ker), Jan 14 (PTI) At least 86 pilgrims returningfrom Sabarimala Ayyappa temple were killed and 90 injuredtonight when a vehicle ploughed through the devotees in anarrow forest stretch at Pullumedu rpt Pullumedu in Idukkidistrict of Kerala, triggering a stampede.

"46 bodies have so far been recovered from the site"which is a remote area on the border with Tamil Nadu, saidSabarimala shrine spokesman Rahul Eeshwar.

He said that according to reports at least 86 people werekilled and 90 injured.

Many of the pilgrims involved in the tragedy were fromTamil Nadu who were returning to their homes to celebratePongal after having a darshan of the deity at the hill shrine.

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