40 Ayyappa devotees from Eluru injured after bus falls in gorge in Kerala

VIJAYAWADA: A bus carrying 40 Ayyappa devotees from Eluru in Andhra Pradesh has met with an accident at Erumeli of Kerala, leaving some of them injured.

According to reports, the bus left with the Ayyappa devotees from Eluru in Andhra Pradesh to Sabarimala on November 15. However, while the devotees were returning after visiting the Ayyappa temple, the bus met with an accident. Unconfirmed reports claim that the bus fell into a gorge at Erumeli following a suspected brake failure.

While most of the Ayyappa devotees escaped with minor injuries, four of the entourage, including a child, reportedly suffered grievous injuries. They were admitted to Kottayam Medical College Hospital where they were stated to be in a critical condition.

AP CM YS Jagan orders medical aid, help to injured Ayyappa devotees

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jaganmohan Reddy has enquired about the condition of the injured Ayyappa devotees, who were involved in a road accident in Kerala, and directed the officials to take steps for their medical aid.

The Chief Minister directed the officials to take steps to provide proper medical treatment for the devotees who were injured in the road accident at Pathanamthitta in Kerala on their return journey. YS Jagan asked them to coordinate with the Pathanamthitta district officials and provide treatment to the injured and extend all possible help.

The Chief Minister was informed that 84 Ayyappa devotees from Madepalli of Eluru mandal went to Sabarimala in two buses and one of the buses, carrying 44 devotees, was involved in the road accident. The officials said that 18 Ayyappa devotees were injured, two seriously, in the incident.

The injured were being treated at Kottayam Medical College Hospital and the rest were provided food and accommodation by the Pathanamthitta district officials.