Two Sabarimala pilgrims drown in Pampa River; bodies recovered

CHENGANNUR: In a tragedy, the bodies of two Sabarimala pilgrims were recovered from the Pampa River on Wednesday. Chennai natives Santhosh (19) and Avinash (21), entered the waters in Chengannur Parakadavu but got swept by the strong undercurrent. The two were returning from their pilgrimage to Sabarimala and decided to take a swim in the waters when tragedy struck.

Earlier, the vehicle ferrying Sabarimala pilgrims met with an accident in Perumbavoor, Ernakulam. The accident occurred in the Keezhillam Parathuvayalil area. Driver Chandru, a native of Coorg in Karnataka, died in the incident which took place at around 2 pm today. Three Ayyappa devotees in the vehicle were injured. the vehicle after losing control broke a wall in the nearby area and then crashed into a tree.