As many as 18 people including an eight-year-old boy suffered injuries after a bus carrying Sabarimala pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh met with an accident and overturned near Laha in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district on Saturday, November 19. Among them, the condition of an eight-year-old boy, identified as Manikandan, is critical. The mishap occurred when the 44 pilgrims from Vijayawada were on their way back after offering worship at the hill shrine, police said.
While Pathanamthitta district health officials said that a total of 43 persons were injured in the accident, Andhra Pradesh government officials said that 18 devotees were hurt. The accident is suspected to have happened after the driver lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a curve in the route. Kerala Health Minister Veena George said all those in the bus were rescued within an hour of the accident and the vehicle was shifted from the accident site by 10 am.
The condition of the boy, who suffered multiple injuries, is critical and he would undergo surgery soon at the Government Medical College, Kottayam, she said. "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 from the Pathanamthitta General Hospital and Konni Medical College are making arrangements for the treatment, she said
As of Saturday afternoon, 38 persons were undergoing treatment at Pathanamthitta General Hospital, she said, adding that arrangements have been made for those who escaped unhurt and steps would be taken to send them to their native place soon. Earlier, police, fire department personnel, motor vehicle department officials and the local residents jointly coordinated a swift rescue mission, which reduced the gravity of the accident. Besides George, top officials including the district Collector and district police chief reached the spot and supervised the rescue operations.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy enquired about the condition of the pilgrims. Jagan directed his officials to coordinate with the Pathanamthitta district officials and provide medical treatment to the injured and extend all possible help. Andhra Pradesh government officials said that of the 18 devotees who were injured, two suffered serious injuries.
With PTI and IANS inputs