TRIVANDRUM - More than 100 pilgrims were feared dead and more than 125 injured in a stampede after a bus returning from the Sabarimala Hill temple ran over pilgrims in the Indian state of Kerala before plunging into a gorge.Kerala Devaswom Minister Kadannapally Ramachandran told the Khaleej Times that the death toll may rise as most of the injured are in a critical condition.
According to initial reports, the bus carrying pilgrims from Karnataka hit a jeep and lost control and ran over resting pilgrims in Uppupara, around 30km from Sabarimala in Idukki district. The accident triggered a stampede and many lost their lives in the mad rush. The incident took place around 9pm.
Rescue operations are difficult as the incident had occurred in the dense forests of the Western Ghats. There are no power and communication facilities in the area. Fire force personnel from different parts of the district have rushed to the area with lights.
Health Minister P K Sreemathy said that doctors from all over Idukki district had reached the spot as it was difficult to bring the injured to the hospitals. She said arrangements for the treatment of seriously injured persons have been made in Kottayam Medical College.