Car loses control and falls into gorge in Kallar; seven-year-old girl dies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A seven-year-old girl died after a car carrying a tourist group from Kallara lost control and fell into a gorge while returning from a trip to Ponmudi. Nine others were injured in the accident. The deceased has been identified as Thrayananda, daughter of Shalu from Valakkuzhi, Kallara.

The accident happened around 6:30 pm near the third hairpin bend on the Ponmudi-Kallar road. The car reportedly plunged nearly 30 feet down into the gorge. There were ten people inside the vehicle.

Those seriously injured include Anoop, Nived, and Theertha from Sreeshailam in Kallara; Lathika and her daughter Akhina from Tharatta in Kallara; and Shiny and her daughter Gopika from Moonnumukku in Pangode. All the injured were admitted to the hospital. Rain had lashed the Ponmudi and Kallar regions in the evening, leading to dense fog in the area. Due to poor visibility caused by the heavy mist, drivers were unable to clearly see the road. Doctors said the injured persons are currently out of danger.