Kerala HC seeks report on Valparai accident which left 10 dead

Kochi: High court on Thursday sought a detailed report from the transport commissioner regarding the accident that occurred after a van veered off the Valparai Ghat-Pollachi road on April 17, in which 10 tourists, including six schoolteachers, were killed.A bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and S Muralee Krishna issued the order while considering a suo motu case concerning unauthorised vehicle modifications. During hearing, HC observed that the driver's cabin of the van involved in the accident was reportedly fitted with illegal flashlights in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules. The court further directed the commissioner to submit the report within 10 days.The van, carrying a group of schoolteachers on an excursion from Pang in Malappuram, reportedly veered off the 13th hairpin bend on the ghat road within the limits of the Kadamparai police station around 5.15pm on April 17 and plunged several hundred feet into a steep gorge. Ten tourists died in the accident, while three others sustained serious injuries.The court noted that the flickering lights of the flashlights were visible in videos reportedly posted by the travellers shortly before the accident. HC accordingly sought a detailed report from the commissioner and adjourned the matter to June 16.