Kerala school community shattered as 9 teachers die in Tamil Nadu bus crash

A joyous trip ended in unimaginable tragedy after nine teachers from Kerala lost their lives in a devastating road accident in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district when a State Transport Corporation bus veered off the road and crashed into multiple vehicles.

Several others were injured in the accident, which occurred on the Salem-Coimbatore National Highway. All those killed were teachers by profession, according to news agency ANI.

According to a statement issued by the District Collector’s office, the bus was travelling from Coimbatore to Salem when the driver allegedly lost control while negotiating the 13th hairpin bend. The vehicle rammed into a two-wheeler and an autorickshaw carrying nearly 10 passengers before plunging further down toward the 9th hairpin bend.

The bus was carrying 13 tourists from Perinthalmanna in Kerala.

Of the passengers on board, eight people — one man and seven women — died on the spot. Five others, including the driver, two male teenagers aged between 17 and 18, and two women, were rescued and rushed to the Government Hospital in Pollachi. One of the injured later succumbed to injuries, taking the death toll to nine.

Authorities launched a swift rescue operation soon after the crash.

Two senior police officers rushed to the scene and supervised relief efforts, while Fire and Rescue Services personnel were deployed to evacuate the injured and clear the wreckage.

PM Modi, Kerala CM mourn loss of lives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy.

“Distressed to hear about the mishap in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. I extend my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the mishap. Prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also condoled the deaths of the Kerala residents and directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for those injured, PTI reported.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed sorrow over the horrific accident on April 18.

School plunged into mourning

Back in Kerala, grief engulfed Pang-Palliparamba Government Lower Primary School in Malappuram, where all the victims were serving as teachers.

The tragedy has left students, colleagues and families devastated, turning a school campus into a place of mourning.