Kottayam: A 45-year-old man lost his life and over 20 others were injured when a private bus carrying Sabarimala pilgrims from Karnataka overturned near Erumely, Kottayam early Wednesday morning.
According to the police, the accident occurred around 6.30 am as the vehicle was negotiating a steep incline with sharp bends on the hilly highway. The driver reportedly lost control of the bus, causing it to overturn on the roadside.
The bus was en route to the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala and was carrying 32 passengers, including seven children.
"Five persons who sustained serious injuries were rushed to Kottayam Medical College Hospital, while around 18 others with minor wounds were provided first aid at nearby hospitals," an officer from the Erumely police station said.
With PTI inputs