SUV Carrying Pilgrims Catches Fire; No Injuries Reported
Palakkad: A group of Sabarimala pilgrims from Palakkad had a narrow escape when their SUV caught fire in the early hours of Wednesday. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. near Planthode, on the forest stretch of the Pampa road between Attathodu and Chalakayam.
According to officials from the Fire and Rescue Services, the vehicle was carrying six passengers, including a child, on their way to Sabarimala to take part in the Niraputhari festival. The passengers noticed smoke coming from the vehicle and immediately stopped to alert the Pampa Police.
“As the route is densely forested, no immediate help was available. By the time our team arrived, the fire had spread through most of the vehicle. We were able to extinguish the flames within minutes,” an official said.
Though the SUV was completely destroyed, all passengers escaped without injury. Later, arrangements were made for another vehicle to transport the devotees to Sabarimala so they could continue their pilgrimage