KOLLAM: Teachers and students who got trapped in the Achankovil forest while trekking, have been rescued. 27 students and two teachers of Kollam Karunagapally Clappana Shanmukha Vilasam Higher Secondary School got trapped due to mist and rain. The students of scout and guides entered the forest Sunday morning at 11 am. They were supposed to return at 3 pm. Meanwhile, they got trapped in the Thoovalmal area. The authorities of the forest department who rescued them early Monday morning brought them to Kottavasal area and gave them the required treatment. They have no health issues.

The children and teachers trapped were rescued jointly by the locals, police and forest department. After heavy rain in the forest, there was a big flow of water in the river. It is hinted that the water splash may be due to a landslide. The first problem was that there was no vehicular access to the part of the forest where they were stuck, except for small footpaths. However, later as the rain subsided, the students were safely brought back in small groups. It is reported that they will return to the school in Karunagappally this morning by school bus.