COIMBATORE – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow following a horrific road accident in the Valparai ghat section of Tamil Nadu, which claimed the lives of nine tourists from Kerala on Friday.
The victims, primarily schoolteachers and their families from Malappuram, were traveling in a van that veered off the road at the 13th hairpin bend and plunged into a deep gorge.
Condolences from the Prime Minister
Taking to social media, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) shared the PM’s grief over the incident:
“Distressed to hear about the mishap in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. I extend my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the mishap. Prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
The Incident
The accident occurred late Friday afternoon as the group was returning from a sightseeing trip. Emergency responders and local police navigated treacherous terrain to reach the wreckage, which had tumbled several hundred feet.
-
Fatalities: 9 individuals, including six teachers and one child, were confirmed dead.
-
Injuries: 4 survivors are currently receiving intensive medical care at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital.
District authorities, led by Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, have initiated a probe into the cause of the crash. Both the Tamil Nadu and Kerala state governments are working together to support the affected families and facilitate the transport of the deceased.

