Kerala Governor expresses grief over deaths in stampede

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 15: Kerala Governor R S Gavai on Friday night, Jan 14, expressed grief over the death of several Ayyappa devotees in the accident at Pulumedu in Idukki district of Kerala. In a condolence message, he said, "I am deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic accident at Pulumedu in Idukki district in which several Ayyappa devotees returning from Sabarimala lost their precious lives."

"I share the profound grief of the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," Gavai said.

At least 102 pilgrims returning from Sabarimala Ayyappa temple were killed and about 100 injured when a jeep ploughed through the devotees in a narrow forest stretch at Pulumedu, triggering the stampede.

Only 40 dead bodies have been identified so far. Most of the pilgrims dead were from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Only two pilgrims are believed to be from Kerala.

The Sabarimala deaths has been declared a 'national tragedy'.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from PTI)