Hundreds of people, a good many of them who lost their dear ones in Perumon train accident, is expected to reach the Smrithi Mandapam near the Perumon Railway Bridge on Monday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the tragic accident.
Every year on July 8, heart-rending scenes are witnessed at the Smrithi Mandapam, a column erected in memory of the 105 people who lost their life in what is etched in history as one of the worst rail tragedies in the country, as relatives of victims visit the Mandapam to offer prayers and tributes to their dear ones with an almost ritualistic fervour.
On July 8, 1988, the Kanyakumari-bound Island Express from Bangalore derailed while on the bridge and around 10 coaches fell into the Ashtamudi lake.
Over 200 persons were injured in the incident.
Though the Railway investigation into the tragedy concluded that the mishap was caused by a tornado, there are many who oppose the theory. The exact cause of the tragedy still remains a mystery.
Various organisations, including Red Cross Society, Homoeo Nursing Home at Kadappayil near Anchalummoodu, Friends of Birds, Kerala Prathikarana Vedhi and Consumers Federation of Kerala will hold a commemorative function at 9 am on Monday.
Union Minister of State for Labour Kodikunnil Suresh will inaugurate the function.
A homoeo camp, to be organised as part of the commemoration, will be inaugurated by Kollam MP N Peethambara Kurup. P K Gurudasan MLA, will distribute mementos to persons who were part of the rescue operations.
District Collector B Mohanan will distribute study materials for students. Various political, social and cultural leaders are expected to attend the function.