Sabarimala Accident Shocks Nation

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VANDIPERIYAR, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- More than 100 people died and nearly 50 were injured during a stampede near the hill shrine of Sabarimala on Friday, law enforcement officials have reported. Home Secretary Jai Kumar told media sources that the pilgrims were returning from the temple, when a vehicle overturned, resulting in the stampede. Jai Kumar also added that the accident took place about 5 miles from Sabarimala hill shrine.

The law enforcement officials reported that the unfortunate accident occurred at around 8 p. m. at Pulumedu in Pathanamthitta district while it has been revealed that the death toll is expected to rise. The onlookers reported that more than lakhs of pilgrims assembled at the hill shrine of Sabarimala to witness the divine Makara Jyothi light, which is known as one of the most important events of pilgrimage. The officials said that the pilgrims were mostly from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, though police has not yet identified all the victims. M.A. Baby, Education Minister of Kerala said that a jeep suddenly lost its control and drove into the worshipers and this might have triggered the stampede.

M.A. Baby said that the state government is leaving no stones unturned to rescue the Sabarimala accident victims. However, he said that the location, where the stampede took place, does not have adequate communication facilities. He also added that as the accident occurred at night, the rescue operation somehow got delayed. Defence Minister A.K. Antony called the incident as one of the worst tragedies that India has ever witnessed. The Defence Minister also added that navy and army officials have also joined Sabarimala rescue operation. The law enforcement officials reported that only 30 victims have been identified till now.