At least nine tourists from Kerala lost their lives and several others were injured after a van plunged into a deep gorge along the Valparai–Pollachi ghat road in Tamil Nadu. The accident is among the deadliest reported on the stretch in recent years.
The incident occurred when the vehicle, carrying a group of tourists, reportedly lost control while negotiating a sharp hairpin bend on the steep hill road. The van veered off the roadway and tumbled nearly 800 feet down the slope before coming to a halt.
According to officials, most of the victims were from Kerala and were on a leisure trip to Valparai, a popular hill destination known for its tea estates and winding roads. The group had been visiting local tourist spots and was returning when the accident took place.
Emergency response teams, including police, fire and rescue personnel, rushed to the scene soon after the incident. With the help of local residents, rescuers climbed down the gorge to retrieve victims from the mangled vehicle. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals in Pollachi and Coimbatore, where some remain in critical condition.
Preliminary inquiries indicate that the driver may have lost control while navigating the dangerous curve, though authorities have not ruled out other factors. A detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The tragedy has deeply affected the victims’ families and communities back in Kerala. Authorities are making arrangements to transport the bodies to their hometowns.
The Valparai ghat road, though scenic, is known for its narrow stretches, steep gradients and multiple hairpin bends, making it a challenging route for drivers. The incident has once again raised concerns over road safety and the need for stricter precautions on hill roads.
