Holiday trip turns tragic in Kerala: 9 killed as van plunges off Valparai cliff in Tamil Nadu

A holiday trip from Kerala turned into tragedy on Friday after a tourist van carrying a 12-member group plunged off a ghat road in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district, killing nine people and injuring four others.

According to media reports, the accident occurred around 5.15 pm (local time) on the Valparai–Pollachi Ghat Road when the vehicle reportedly lost control while negotiating the 13th hairpin bend.

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Police said the van plunged across multiple bends before coming to rest near the ninth hairpin section.

The stretch is known for its steep curves and sharp descents, with 40 hairpin bends along the route.

VIDEO | At least 40 people were injured when a bus travelling from Tiruppur to Valparai fell into a 20-foot-deep gorge early this morning of Sunday.

Over 40 passengers with injuries were taken to Pollachi for further medical care. Rescue operations were swiftly carried out by… pic.twitter.com/r9wcOlrLQk

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 18, 2025

Teachers among victims

The group, from Malappuram district in Kerala, included teachers and staff of government schools in Kuruva. Six teachers, a school cook, a student, and another relative were among those killed.

Seven women and a 12-year-old boy were among the deceased. Four others, including the driver, were injured, with three critically wounded shifted to the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

Holiday trip turns fatal

Police said the group had travelled to Athirappilly waterfalls in Kerala earlier in the day before heading to Valparai for sightseeing. They were returning via Pollachi when the accident occurred.

Eyewitnesses alerted emergency services, and rescue teams from Valparai and Pollachi rushed to the spot to retrieve passengers from the wreckage.

Investigation under way

Preliminary reports suggest the driver may have lost control while descending the steep ghat section, but officials said the exact cause is still under investigation.

Known accident-prone route

The Valparai–Pollachi road is a popular tourist route but is also considered high-risk due to its sharp bends and steep terrain. Authorities have repeatedly urged motorists to exercise caution, especially during peak travel seasons.