Malappuram/Pollachi April 17 (IANS) A group of holidaymakers from Kerala’s Malappuram district met with an ill-fated accident in Tamil Nadu’s Valparai on Friday, leaving nine people dead and several others injured.​

The victims were part of a team of teachers and others from Perinthalmanna who were on a leisure trip.​

According to preliminary reports, the mini traveller van they were travelling in was involved in an accident at the 13th hairpin bend on the Pollachi–Valparai ghat road.​

The vehicle, which had come from the Thrissur side, is said to have lost control and crashed into the guard rail before plunging down towards the 8th hairpin bend.​

The impact left the vehicle completely mangled.​

There were 12 teachers and a driver in the van, including staff and family members associated with the GLP School at Pang in Malappuram.​

The injured were rushed to a government hospital in Pollachi, where some are reported to be in critical condition.​

A team of relatives and friends of the victims has already set out for Coimbatore, where the injured and the bodies of those who died are being transported.​

The Pollachi–Valparai stretch is known for its steep terrain and more than 40 sharp hairpin bends, making it a challenging route for drivers, particularly unfamiliar with the ghat roads.​

The accident, which occurred around Friday evening, has sent shockwaves across Kerala, especially in Malappuram district.​

Kerala State Police Chief Revada Chandrasekhar said he is in constant touch with his counterpart in Tamil Nadu.​

He assured that all possible assistance is being extended to the victims and their families, and that authorities are coordinating efforts to ensure timely medical care and further support.​

Further details are awaited as rescue and investigation efforts continue.​

–IANS

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