9 killed as tourist van plunges into a gorge in Tamil Nadu’s Valparai Hills

The victims were part of a group travelling from Kerala.

Accident at hairpin bend

The van, carrying 13 passengers from Malappuram district, lost control while descending the Valparai–Pollachi hill road.

It reportedly crashed into a barrier at the 13th hairpin bend before plunging into a gorge. Visuals from the scene showed the vehicle completely mangled.

Casualties and injuries

According to police, eight people died on the spot — seven women and one man — while another succumbed to injuries at the hospital.

The driver is among the critically injured. All injured persons were rushed to the Pollachi Government Hospital.

Some of the victims are believed to be school teachers from Kerala’s Malappuram district, who were on a trip to Valparai and were returning home when the accident occurred.

Rescue and probe underway

Police and fire service personnel carried out rescue operations, retrieving bodies from the gorge and transporting the injured to hospital.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

PM Modi expresses grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives.

“I am deeply saddened by the accident in Coimbatore. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.