PATHANAMTHITTA: A handrail has collapsed at Sannidhanam in Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple. The incident took place during a heavy rush near the Sreekovil. It is reported that no one was injured in the accident.

The handrail collapsed on the part where devotees descended from the flyover at Sopanam to the shrine. It was already in a deplorable condition. Sannidhanam was very crowded at the time of the incident. This is what caused the accident. Officials said none of the pilgrims were injured.

Heavy rush is being reported at Sabarimala as Makaravilakku approaches. A 35-member group of pilgrims, including children, who had come from Chennai had returned the other day without waiting for the darshan after learning that they would have to wait in the queue for up to ten hours. The said group reached Pampa at 6 pm on Friday.