Chennai: At least 30 people sustained injuries when a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus overturned and plunged into a 20-foot-deep gorge near Valparai, Tamil Nadu, on Sunday.
The accident occurred around 3 a.m. near the Kavers Estate area, along the winding mountain roads of the Valparai Ghat section.
The bus, carrying 72 passengers, was travelling from Tiruppur to Valparai when the driver reportedly lost control while navigating a curve on the hilly terrain.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the bus skidded off the road and tumbled into the gorge, triggering panic among passengers, many of whom were abruptly awakened by the crash.
Despite the severity of the accident, all passengers survived, though many sustained fractures, cuts, and bruises. Upon receiving an alert, Valparai police and 108 ambulance services swiftly launched a rescue operation.
Emergency responders, aided by local residents, navigated the challenging terrain to extract the injured from the wreckage and transport them to Valparai Government Hospital.
The bus driver, Ganesh (49), suffered serious injuries and was transferred to Pollachi Government Hospital for advanced treatment.
Hospital sources reported that his condition is stable but requires continued medical observation.
Doctors at Valparai Government Hospital confirmed that most of the injured were in stable condition and receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Those with more severe trauma were referred to nearby facilities for specialised care.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Early assessments suggest that poor visibility and slippery road conditions in the early morning hours may have contributed to the crash.
Mechanical failure or over-speeding has not been ruled out, raising fresh concerns about the safety of public transport on hill routes, particularly during night services.
Transport Department officials are expected to conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle and the accident site.
Further updates are awaited as the investigation continues.
(inputs from IANS)