Pathanamthitta: A man died and six others, including children, were injured on Monday after a traveller van carrying Sabarimala pilgrims rammed into a shop at the Ittiyappara Valiyaparambupadi junction on the Punalur–Muvattupuzha road.

Police identified the deceased as Sirisetti Rajesh Gowda, a native of Andhra Pradesh. Four of the injured were admitted to Kottayam Medical College Hospital, while others received treatment at nearby hospitals.

The accident occurred around 1.30 am. The pilgrims were part of a group that organises annadanam for Sabarimala Ayyappa devotees and were returning after visiting Courtallam. Preliminary findings suggest that the driver fell asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and crash into the shop.