NELLIYAMPATHY: Two youths from Tirupur who came to visit Nelliyampathy for Pongal holiday drowned to death, while another person was rescued. The deceased have been identified as Kishore (22), son of Balasubramanian of Angalamman Nagar in Kangayam Nachipalayam in Tirupur and Kripakar (22), son of Muthu of Sudha Illam, Vellayankode in Tirupur. Kripakar's brother Jnanaprakash (24) was rescued. The accident took place at 11.30 am on Saturday near the Vannathipalam bridge in the Karappara river.

Eight friends and family members came to see Nelliyampathy in two cars. The group reached Karappara at 11 am and bathed in the river. On the way back from the bath, Kripakar went back into the river to catch fish and slipped into a deep muddy area. Kishore and Jnanaprakash jumped into the river to save him. All three drowned because of the deep and muddy area. Jnanaprakash was brought ashore by others who were with him but could not save the others. The bodies were found after an hour-and-a-half-long search by police, rangers and locals following a tip-off from the control room. The body was shifted to the district hospital after completing police procedures. Jnanaprakash was rushed to Kaikatti Primary Health Center and given first aid.