OOTTY: Eight people were killed after a tourist bus fell into a gorge near Marapalam in Coonoor in Ootty. The victims of the accident were in Ootty to celebrate holidays. Natives of Kadayam and Alvarkurissy villages in Thenkasi district were on the bus. According to sources, the bus lost control and fell 50 feet into the gorge.

Five of the deceased have been identified as V Nithin (15), S Babykala (65), S Murugesan (65), P Muppidathai (67) and R Kousalya. Sources said that there were 55 people on the bus. Nearly 30 people have been admitted to the Coonoor Government Hospital. It is reported that the condition of four injured persons is critical.