Munnar: A young man and his eight-month-old daughter were killed and seven others seriously injured in a car accident at Devikulam, near here, in Kerala's Idukki district on Thursday. The accident involving a tourist party from from Andhra Pradesh occurred around 7.30 am at a curve on the Gap Road as the driver lost control over the car and it fell into a gorge.
The deceased are Noushad, 32, and his eight-month-old daughter Naisa.
Those who were injured included Noushad's wife Aisha, 27, another daughter Alisa, 5, his relatives Nasarudeen, 45, Gauhar, 38, Gouse, 5, Althaf, 33, and Musthafa, 14. Five among them have been admitted to the Kolencherry Medical College Hospital.
The tourists were proceeding to Munnar.
According to the police, poor visibility due to the formation of thick fog along the stretch led to the accident.
The vehicle turned upside down more than once before falling into the gorge near the Bison Valley Road.
The injured were found lying scattered in the valley after the incident. It was the labourers employed in nearby estates who brought the injured on their shoulders to the Gap Road with great difficulty.
Noushad and his daughter were killed on the spot.
Altogether, there were 18 passengers in three vehicles. They were bound for Munnar from their native place in Annamayya district in Andhra Pradesh.
Deputy Superintendent of Police D KR Manoj, Station House Officers KR Manesh and Shivlal, Sub Inspector Shahul Hameed and Fire Force Station Officer Belvin Davis led the rescue operations with the help of the local people and estate workers.
