Bus bringing pilgrims from AP to Sabrimala overturns; over 40 injured

A bus from Andhra Pradesh that was travelling to the Sabrimala shrine crashed and flipped on Saturday near Kerala’s Laha, injuring over forty persons, according to reports. All of the injured people were taken urgently to a hospital, and among them, Manikandan, an eight-year-old child, is in critical condition.

Forty-three people were hurt in the accident, which was believed to have occurred after the driver lost control of the car while navigating a curve in the road, district health officials were quoted as saying by PTI.

According to health minister Veena George, all bus passengers were saved within an hour of the crash, and by 10 am, the bus had been removed from the area.

When George arrived on the scene, he established plans for the rescue effort and continued care of the pilgrims, saying that all those who sustained injuries would receive the appropriate care.

Five persons including the boy were referred to the Kottayam Medical College. Some among them require surgery,” the Minister said in a Facebook post. A team of doctors and nurses of the Pathanamthitta General Hospital and Konni Medical College, are making arrangements for the treatment, she said As of now, 38 persons are currently undergoing treatment at Pathanamthitta General Hospital, she said, adding that arrangements have been made for those escaped unhurt and steps would be taken to send them to their native place soon. Top officials including the district collector and the chief of police also arrived.