Nine Sabarimala Pilgrims Injured After Vehicle Hits Electricity Pole Near Koothattukulam
Ernakulam: Nine Sabarimala pilgrims were injured after the vehicle they were travelling in overturned after hitting an electricity pole near Maruthi Junction on the Koothattukulam–Pala road on Sunday evening.
The group was returning to Kollengode in Palakkad district after completing their Sabarimala pilgrimage when the accident occurred. According to preliminary information, the driver reportedly fell asleep while driving, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle then crashed into a nearby electricity pole and overturned.
Local residents who heard the impact rushed to the spot and assisted in the rescue operation. Koothattukulam police also reached the scene and took the necessary steps.
There were 19 people, including children and elderly passengers, in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
The injured were identified as Athmaj (9), Srihari (7), Suresh (45), Devayani (74), Balakrishnan (78), Karthikeyan (42), C. Balakrishnan (73), Sasidharan (69), and Rajan (74), all from Kollengode. They were immediately shifted to Deva Matha Hospital in Koothattukulam for treatment.
The injured are reported to be out of danger, according to the information available.
With the Sabarimala pilgrimage season witnessing increased movement of devotees on roads, drivers are advised to remain alert and avoid driving when tired or drowsy. Adequate rest, careful driving, adherence to speed limits and regular breaks during long journeys can help prevent accidents and ensure the safety of pilgrims and other road users.