Van carrying school children falls into ditch, 31 children, teacher sustain injuries

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A van carrying school children fell into a ditch. 31 children and a teacher in the van sustained injuries. The accident occurred Monday morning at around 9.30 am at Malamukal in Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram. The private van involved in the accident was carrying students of St Santa's School. The hospital authorities said the injuries are not serious.

The children have been admitted to a private hospital in Sasthamangalam. Minister V Sivankutty visited the children in the hospital. The injured will be discharged after observation and tests. A teacher said the accident was caused by the poor condition of the road and lack of handrails. The locals said the private vehicles do not enter the school to drop the children and instead drop them on the roadside and return. They said that the van fell into a nearby ditch while reversing.