Tamil Nadu Tragedy: Bus with 72 Passengers Falls into Ditch, 30 Hurt

A Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus carrying 72 passengers veered off a treacherous mountain road and plunged into a 20-foot gorge near Valparai’s Kavers Estate at 3:00 AM on 18 May 2025, injuring 30 people. The accident, which occurred at the 33rd hairpin bend, has spotlighted safety concerns on Tamil Nadu’s ghat roads. Rescue teams worked swiftly to save passengers, but the incident has left the state mourning and demanding answers.

The Accident’s Chaos
The bus, traveling from Tiruppur to Valparai, overturned after driver Ganesan, 49, lost control on a sharp curve, likely due to poor visibility or slippery conditions. Eyewitnesses described panic as the vehicle skidded into the gorge, jolting passengers awake. The bus, bearing registration TN 38 N 3930, landed 15–20 feet below, with many passengers sustaining fractures, cuts, and bruises. Ganesan, seriously injured with a head wound, was rushed to Pollachi Government Hospital, while others were treated at Valparai Government Hospital.

Swift Rescue Efforts
Valparai police, 108 ambulance services, and Fire and Rescue personnel launched an immediate operation, aided by locals navigating the rugged terrain. All 72 passengers were extracted, with 30 requiring medical attention. Most injuries were non-life-threatening, though several victims were transferred to Pollachi for advanced care. Social media posts praised the responders’ efficiency, with videos showing the wrecked bus surrounded by rescuers, amplifying public concern.

Investigation Underway
Authorities are probing the crash, with early reports pointing to possible mechanical failure, overspeeding, or environmental factors like early morning fog. The Transport Department has ordered a detailed inspection of the bus and accident site. This incident echoes past Valparai accidents, including a 2012 crash that killed seven, raising questions about TNSTC’s maintenance protocols and driver training for night services on ghat routes.

A Call for Safety Reforms
The tragedy has sparked outrage over public transport safety in Tamil Nadu’s hilly regions. Social media demands better road infrastructure, stricter vehicle checks, and daytime-only bus schedules for ghat sections. Tamil Nadu’s government faces pressure to implement reforms, with Chief Minister MK Stalin expected to address the issue. As the injured recover, the Valparai accident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures to protect passengers.