Maxi Cab Carrying 19 Tourists Overturns Near Valparai Hairpin Bend, 12 Injured

Coimbatore: A maxi cab carrying 19 tourists from Pamban, Ramanathapuram District, overturned near the 1st Hairpin Bend on the Valparai–Pollachi Main Road (SH-78) on Sunday evening, leaving 12 persons with simple injuries. The accident occurred within Kadamparai Police Station limits at approximately 5.45 pm.

The group of tourists had undertaken a four-day tour to Valparai and were returning to Ramanathapuram via Pollachi after completing their visit. While descending towards Pollachi near the 1st Hairpin Bend, the driver, Sheik Mohamed (28) of Muthukulathur, Ramanathapuram District,

reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing the maxi cab to overturn.

Upon receiving information about the accident, police and rescue personnel immediately rushed to the spot. The injured persons were rescued from the overturned vehicle and shifted by ambulance to Government Hospital, Pollachi, for medical treatment.

The injured persons include four children and eight adults from various locations in Pamban, Ramanathapuram District, and one person from Thoothukudi. The injured are: a 13-year-old child from Arockiya Nagar, Samini (36) from Arockiya Nagar, Kemsilin (29) from Puyal Kaappagam, Ashok Kumar (25) from Thoothukudi, a 14-year-old child from Light House, Yegith Rani (58) from Sethupathi Nagar, Susai Viyagulam (62) from Puyal Kaappagam, Santhiya Meri (70) from Light House, John Meclowin (45) from Annai Therasa Nagar, Kevin (51) from Light House, and two 9-year-old children from Light House and Annai Therasa Street respectively.

All 12 persons sustained simple injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at Government Hospital, Pollachi. Medical authorities confirmed that the injuries were not life-threatening. No fatality was reported in the accident, bringing relief to the families of the tourists.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Valparai Sub-Division, along with concerned police officials, visited the accident spot to assess the situation. Kadamparai Police have registered a case and are conducting a detailed inquiry into the circumstances that led to the accident. Preliminary investigations suggest that loss of vehicle control while negotiating the hairpin bend led to the mishap.

The Valparai–Pollachi Road, particularly the stretch with hairpin bends, is known for its challenging terrain and requires careful navigation, especially during descent. Authorities have advised drivers to exercise extreme caution while travelling through the hilly terrain.