THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The tourist bus driver involved in the shocking accident at Nedumangad Irinchayam was taken into custody on Saturday. Arul Das, a native of Ottasekharamangalam, who fled from the accident spot, was taken into custody by the police. After seeking treatment for a minor eyebrow injury at a private hospital in Kattakkada, Arul took shelter at his friend's house. Getting tip-off about the news, Nedumangad police reached the spot and took the driver into custody.
One death was confirmed in the accident while 44 people are still in treatment for injuries. It is reported that the condition of the injured are not serious. The group was on an excursion from Perumkadavila to Munnar. It is concluded that the bus braking at the bend caused the accident. A detailed investigation will be conducted today. Meanwhile, eyewitnesses say that the bus involved in the accident was speeding. Those present at the time of the accident said that the driver lost control while overtaking a lorry.
Locals, firefighters, and police made timely interventions and helped many trapped passengers out of the bus. Many were rushed to Nedumnagad district hospital in private vehicles and ambulances.
The residents of Perungadavila and Kavallur left at 7 pm on Friday for the Munnar journey but the trip ended in tragedy within hours. Dasini (63), a native of Kavallur, died in the accident.