102 Sabarimala pilgrims killed in stampede

STAMPEDE

Vandiperyar (Ker), Jan 15 (PTI) In the worst tragedy
that struck Sabarimala pilgrims in a decade, at least 102
people returning from the shrine were killed and 50 others
injured in a stampede that occurred at Pullumedu in southern
Indian state Kerala's Idukki district.
Sabarimala is a Hindu pilgrimage center located in the
Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta District
Kerala.
Over 70 bodies have been brought to the government
hospital at nearby Kumali town as police and fire forces
worked overnight with local rescuers at the hilly terrain
where the the mishap happened last evening.
According to top police sources, 102 people were
confirmed dead and seven of the injured were stated to be in
serious condition.
Most of the victims were from south Indian states -
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
The tragedy struck the pilgrims returning after
darshan at the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa on the 'makara
samkarma pooja', when a jeep went out of control and ploughed
into devotees in a narrow forest stretch at Pullumedu,
triggering the stampede.
A high-level inquiry into the mishap will be ordered,
government sources said.
Several ministers and senior officials are camping at
the accident site and at Kumali town. PTI NM
HMI


The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this
message are intended for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and may contain
proprietary, confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended
recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify
the sender immediately and destroy all copies of this message and any attachments
contained in it.