Coimbatore / Malappuram: Nine members of a 12-member tourist group from Kerala’s Malappuram district were killed after their van plunged off a hairpin bend on the Valparai ghat road in Coimbatore district on Friday. The accident occurred between 5.15 p.m. and 5.30 p.m., when the vehicle reportedly fell from hairpin bend 13 to bend 9 on the Valparai–Pollachi road.

Three others sustained serious injuries and were initially taken to a hospital in Pollachi before being shifted to Coimbatore for advanced treatment. Among the deceased were seven women and a 12-year-old boy. Police said the group was returning from Valparai when the tragic incident occurred.

Most of the victims were teachers from the Government Lower Primary School in Pang, along with their family members. Authorities identified the deceased as Ajita (54), Ramla (52), Zuhara (43), Asha (41), Majeed (43), Sajita (45), Shakeela (37), Rukhiya (39), and Hisham (12). The injured include driver Mohammed Fasith (21) and two children.

The group had started their trip early in the day, visiting Athirappilly, Vazhachal, and Malakkappara before reaching Valparai. Police and Fire and Rescue teams rushed to the spot and carried out rescue operations, while arrangements have been made at the Pollachi Government Hospital for post-mortem procedures. The incident has left the Pang community in deep shock.

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