9 Killed as Tourist Van Falls Into Gorge in Tamil Nadu’s Valparai Hills; PM Modi Expresses Grief

A tragic accident in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore district claimed the lives of nine people after a tourist van fell into a deep gorge in the Valparai hills on Friday. Several others were left critically injured in the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

How the Accident Happened

The van, carrying 13 people from Kerala's Malappuram district, was travelling down the Valparai-Pollachi hill road when it lost control.

According to officials, the vehicle hit a safety barrier at the 13th hairpin bend and then plunged into a deep gorge. The impact was severe, and visuals from the scene showed the van completely damaged.

Casualties and Injuries

Police said that eight people died on the spot, including seven women and one man. Another victim later died at the hospital, taking the total death toll to nine.

Four others, including the driver, suffered serious injuries and were rushed to the Pollachi Government Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

Initial reports suggest that some of the victims were teachers from a school in Malappuram. They were on a trip to Valparai and were returning home when the accident occurred.

Rescue teams, including police and fire service personnel, quickly reached the spot and carried out operations to recover bodies from the gorge and assist the injured.

PM Modi Condoles Loss of Lives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy. In his message, he said:
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the accident that occurred in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. I extend my deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. I pray that the injured recover swiftly."