January 15, 2011 2:13 PM

printer

Kerala stampede toll 102, rescue ops on

In Kerala, 102 Sabrimala pilgrims were killed in a stampede at Uppupara on the Pullumedu-Vallakadavu forest route in Idukki district last night.Eighty devotees, including elderly pilgrims, have been injured in the mishap that took place when thousands of devotees were returning after holy darshan at the shrine of Lord Ayyappa on Makar Sankranti day.Seventy three bodies have been identified so far. Of them, 30 pilgrims were from Tamil Nadu, 25 from Karnataka, 14 from Andhra Pradesh, three Kerala and one from Sri Lanka. The post-mortem of 64 bodies has been completed so far. Four bodies have been despatched to their native places. Some of the injured are being treated at Theni and Kottayam medical colleges. Massive rescue and relief operations are on in the deep forest of Periyar wild life sanctuary where the tragedy took place. Entire state machinery with the assistance top police officials are engaged in relief operations.The Southern Naval Command has said it had dispatched an emergency medical team to the accident site.Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan has rushed to the spot from Kannur by helicopter. Speaking to news persons at Kumily, Achuthanandan said a judicial enquiry had been ordered into the incident. He said efforts would be made to get the services of a sitting Kerala High Court Judge to conduct the enquiry. The Chief Minister announced a solatium of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of those killed in the mishap and Rs 50,000 to those who were seriously injured. He said those who sustained minor injuries will be given Rs 25,000. The Chief Minister said the State Government would bear the expenses of despatching the bodies of the victims to their native places including ambulance and flight charges. The Government has also directed that a police and a revue official should accompany each body. Earlier on his arrival at Kumily, Achuthanandan visited the Kumily Community Health Centre where the post-mortem of the bodies is being held. He also held discussions with his ministerial colleagues and elected representatives. The State Government has declared a holiday today in view of the tragedy. The Government has also declared a three-day State mourning. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to those who lost their lives in the stampede. He also announced Rs 25,000 to the people injured in the incident. In a press release issued by the State Government, M Karunanidhi has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families of the victims.

Most Read
View All arrow-right

No posts found.