Tamil Nadu: 8 Tourists Dead, Several Injured As Bus Falls Into Gorge Near Marapalam

A tourist bus fell into a gorge near Marapalam in Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening, resulting in the death of at least eight people, including three women. Several others were critically injured in the accident, according to the police.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Coimbatore Zone, Saravana Sundar, while speaking to ANI, said, "Around eight people died, while a few were seriously injured in the accident. Further investigation is underway."

Palani Samy, Joint Director of Coonoor Government Hospital, also confirmed 8 deaths. "The deceased included three females and 5 males," he said.

At least 25 tourists were reportedly injured in the accident. The bus was travelling from Ooty to Mettupalaym in the Coimbatore district of the Southern state when the accident occurred, according to the police.

The injured had been taken to Coonoor government hospital for treatment.

According to an official, 55 people were in the bus. 35 people were injured and sent to Coonoor government hospital for treatment by ambulance.

The initial investigation revealed that the driver lost control and fell into a 100 ft-deep ravine near Coonoor in Marapalam, according to the police.

K Annamalai, the State President of BJP, appealed to the Tamil Nadu government on X (previously known as Twitter) to ensure top-notch medical care for the injured.

"I was deeply saddened to hear that 8 people died in an accident in which a tourist bus overturned in a 50-foot ditch near Coonoor. My deepest condolences on behalf of their family

@BJP4Tamilnadu. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of all those injured and undergoing treatment in the hospital. I request Tamil Nadu government to provide high-quality treatment to them."