Kerala is in mourning following the tragic Valparai road accident that claimed nine lives, devastating an entire village and a school. The bodies of the deceased were brought to their hometown in Perinthalmanna, where a large crowd gathered to bid a final farewell. The ambulances carrying the victims arrived at Pang Ambalapparamba Government Higher Secondary School, where mourners, including students and local residents, struggled to cope with the loss.
The bodies were displayed for public viewing before being taken in funeral processions to their respective homes. Burial rites are scheduled to be completed before noon. The tragedy has deeply affected Pang’s educational community, especially the local school where five teachers, including the headmistress and a teacher, lost their lives, leaving the institution in shock. The victims were part of a group from Pang Pallipparamba Government LP School on a leisure trip.
The accident occurred when their vehicle lost control at the 13th hairpin bend on the ghat road, overturning and plunging nearly 500 feet into a gorge. Nine people, including seven women and a child, lost their lives. Four others sustained injuries, with two individuals in critical condition at Coimbatore Medical College. Minister V. Sivankutty and other leaders visited the school to offer their condolences. The government has pledged to cover medical expenses for the injured, provide financial aid to the families of the deceased, and offer counseling for affected students.
