VIT student Gaurinanda left paraplegic in Tamil Nadu bus crash; Kerala girl awarded Rs 2.60 crore

ALAPPUZHA: A 24-year-old student from Alappuzha, who lost the ability to move her lower body after a road accident, has been awarded Rs 2.60 crore in compensation. The award was made by the Alappuzha Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal in the case involving Gaurinanda, a native of Mannancherry. The compensation is to be paid by the Tamil Nadu State Express Transport Corporation.

Gaurinanda was pursuing an MSc in Physics at the Vellore Institute of Technology when the accident occurred on November 11, 2023. She was travelling from Chennai to Bengaluru for study-related purposes at the time.

The accident took place near the Chettiyappanur flyover in Vaniyambadi, Tamil Nadu. A Tamil Nadu State Express Transport Corporation bus reportedly went out of control, crossed the median and collided with the bus in which Gaurinanda was travelling. The bus overturned in the impact.
Four people travelling in the two vehicles were killed, and around 16 others were injured.

Gaurinanda suffered serious injuries and was taken to Vellore Medical College and other hospitals for treatment. Despite treatment, she lost mobility below the waist. Advocates Jose Y James and K P Joby appeared for Gaurinanda before the tribunal.