One killed, at least 20 injured as bus carrying Sabarimala pilgrims overturns

A 45-year-old man was killed and over 20 others sustained injuries when a private bus in which they were travelling overturned near Erumely, in Kottayam, Kerala, on Wednesday, 16 April, the police said.

The bus was carrying pilgrims from Karnataka to the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala. The accident occurred around 6:30 a.m.

The highway on which the accident occurred has sharp bends and a steep incline. While navigating it, the bus went out of control and overturned on the side of the road, an officer from the Erumely police station said.

"Five people who sustained serious injuries were taken to Kottayam Medical College and around 18 others with minor cuts and bruises were given first aid at nearby hospitals," the officer said.

There were around 32 pilgrims, including seven children, in the bus, he added.

Ed: This is a developing story; more details will be added as they are received.