Vagamon: Vagamon is mourning the heartbreaking loss of four-year-old Ayanshnath, who died during what was meant to be a joyful family trip to the scenic hill station. His parents, Shabarinath and Arya, are devastated.

Arya, who was critically injured in the accident, remains hospitalised and has not yet been able to see her child for one last time. She suffered serious injuries, including head trauma, internal bleeding and a fractured hand, after being hit by a car.

Locals believe the child’s life might have been saved if emergency medical attention had been available immediately. But for residents of Vagamon and the surrounding border areas of Kottayam district, timely access to emergency care remains a serious challenge. The nearest towns with advanced medical facilities, Pala and Kottayam, are quite far.

Although Vagamon is known for its natural beauty, it is also a region fraught with risks due to its winding roads and hilly terrain. In emergencies, people have no choice but to rush to Erattupetta, the nearest town with a hospital. But the 25-kilometre journey takes nearly an hour and negotiating his srech becomes even harder on days with busy traffic.