Kerala: One dead after bus veered off national highway in Idukki's Neriyamangalam
IDUKKI: One person died while several others were injured when a KSRTC bus carrying passengers toppled over into a ravine off the national highway near Chakkochi Valavu near Neryamangalam in Idukki on Monday.
The deceased has been identified as Sajeev Joseph of Palackal house, Kulamankuzhi, Valara in Adimaly.
As per the local sources, the bus, which had set off from Munnar at 5 am on Monday was heading to Kochi via Neriyamangalam route. While giving space to another vehicle that came from the opposite side, the bus veered off from the national highway and fell into a gorge in the Neriyamangalam forest area, after one of its side tyres burst.
Eyewitnesses said as the bus was braced by a tree standing down the highway, a huge tragedy was averted. Upon being informed by the local residents, fire officials from Adimaly and the police rushed to the spot and conducted rescue operations.
As per the primary details available, there were more than 40 passengers on the bus, of which 16 persons have been admitted to a private hospital in Kothamangalam and 12 persons at taluk hospital in Adimaly. Eight persons have been admitted to a hospital in Dharmagiri. The condition of one person is said to be critical.