Many pilgrims killed near Sabarimala shrine
By IANSFriday, January 14, 2011
VANDIPERIYAR - Many pilgrims were reported killed Friday evening in a stampede 30 km away from the Sabarimala shrine when thousands of devotees were returning after watching the celestial Makara Jyothi light, police said. Unconfirmed reports put the death toll at 30 and the injured at more than 40.
According to reports, the tragedy occurred in Pulmedu near here when a jeep ran into a group of pilgrims when they were returning after attending the pilgrimage.
State Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan termed the incident as a “big tragedy”.
“I have asked the director general of police Jacob Punnoose to reach the place, but it is a serious accident and at the moment we are unable to confirm the number of casualties. This incident has taken place in an uninhabited area and no communications are possible from that area,” said Balakrishnan.
Pulmedu is about 30 km from the Sabarimala temple.
