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103 pilgrims returning from Sabarimala Ayappa temple were killed tonight when a jeep ploughed through the devotees in a forest at Pulimedu in Idukki district of Kerala, triggering a stampede.
The tragedy occured when a jeep carrying some pilgrims waded into a crowd of devotees, who were returning from ‘makara samkrama pooja’, through a narrow trekking path in a forest, about 300km from the state capital, district administration sources said. They said at least 45 people were killed and the toll could go up.
When the jeep turned turtle, it triggered the stampede as the pilgrims ran helter skelter, the police said. Many injured persons have been admitted to nearby hospitals.State Home Minister Kodiyari Balakrishnan asked the top police brass, including the DGP, to rush to the spot.
Most of the pilgrims involved in the tragedy were from Tamil Nadu who were returning to their homes to celebrate Pongal after having a darshan of the deity at the hill shrine. The accident spot was identified at about 50 km away from Sabarimala. As per initial estimates, nearly 1.5 lakh pilgrims had left by this route for home. Relief operations have been delayed due to heavy traffic and narrow roads in the area.
The Southern Naval Command has dispatched an emergency medical team to the accident site.The Navy helicopter carrying the medical team is also carrying emergency medical supplies to deal with the mishap there. Earlier another helicopter was launched at first light today to Kannur in north Kerala to ferry the Chief Minister of Kerala from there to the accident site to enable him to personally supervise the relief operations.
An estimated 103 people are estimated to be dead following an accident leading to a stampede. The mishap occurred at Uppupara, near Vandiperiyar, Kerala`s Pathanamthitta district.
Ten years ago, a stampede at Pampa on way to the hill shrine killed 50 people on the occasion of Makar Jyoti. majority of the killed are expected to be from outside Kerala.
The PM has sanctioned an ex-gratia of Rs. 1 lakh for the families of each of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those injured.
President Pratibha Patil also condoled the death of Sabarimala pilgrims.
In a letter to the Kerala Chief Minister and Governor, she expressed grief over the tragedy.
Patil wished a speedy recovery to all those injured in the incident. Over 100 pilgrims returning from the shrine were killed and as many others were injured.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has also announced Rs. 1 lakh for the families of stampede victims hailing from his state, Rs. 20,000 for injured.
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