1 killed as tourist vehicle topples near Pollachi

As many as 28 tourists from AlAs many as 28 tourists from Aluva in Ernakulam, Kerala had gone on a trip to Kodaikanal on 9 November. After sightseeing, the tourists had wrapped up their vacation and set off on their return journey on Sunday night.

While nearing Ambarampalayam Bridge near Pollachi around 12 midnight, driver Nofel Xavier lost control of the minibus while turning on a curve and the bus toppled.

On receiving information from a passerby, the Anamalai police rushed to the spot and rescued the injured persons trapped inside the bus. Police said Sriraj, 38 succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital, while the 15 other injured members were admitted in a private hospital in Ambarampalayam and later in Pollachi Government Hospital for treatment.

Police inquiries revealed that Xavier was driving the bus with proper rest over the last three days. “He might have dozed off while on the wheels resulting in this tragic mishap,” police said.

The Anaimalai police have registered a case and further inquiries are on.