Thrissur ∙ Lily and her family vowed to go to Velankanni and cut her hair when Eden turned one year old. After celebrating the grandchild’s one-year-old birthday, Lily, her husband Varghese, their children and their relatives left for Velankanni. Eden was on Lily’s lap for most of the trip. Lily kept Eden from falling out during the accident.
Lily’s death was caused by falling out of the open window. Aden is Lilly’s son Jinson’s baby. The vow to Velankanni was for Kanmani who was born after a long wait. As part of Eden’s first birthday celebration, there is still a picture of the greeting on the wall of the house.
Orupadorma, Gerald is no longer a song
Thrissur ∙ Gerald’s life was music. Proficient in playing instruments including jazz and drums. Pallikunn village of Varantharapilly is in shock after the news that the child who was loved by all has passed away. Gerald’s father Jimmy the keyman is in Kuwait. Mother Gini is a teacher. They take Velankanni Yatra every year along with their children. Eldest daughter Jismaria also used to travel with them regularly, but this time she skipped the trip. The reason is that he decided to stay at home with Gini’s mother. Gerald is a third class student at Varantharapilly Lord’s School. Gini suffered a fractured rib in the accident and is in a private hospital in Thanjavur. Jimmy will be home soon.
regular journey, regular route; A ‘lurking’ danger
Thrissur ∙ ‘This is the route we always take. As the road was narrow, the speed was slow. I did not know about the road renovation recently. Not knowing the height of the road, the driver lost control when the bus moved forward..” says Morning Star Tour operator Joy Muthipeethika, who was in the bus that was involved in the accident. The injured Joy is also undergoing treatment in Thanjavur.
Meanwhile, the vagueness of the initial information coming out of Thanjavur after the accident has created a lot of confusion. The first information that came out through the local media in Thanjavur was that 4 people died. The Thrissur district administration and the police confirmed that the initial information was the same even when the Thanjavur district administration was contacted. However, the information was corrected within a few hours. With the confirmation that 2 people have died, the rest are being treated for injuries and no one is in a serious condition, the anxiety raised in the homes of the traveling group has been eased.
The official information from Thanjavur is that the name of the child who lost his life in the accident was Ryan. Moments of concern as there was another child with this name on the bus. Gerald’s name was confirmed when the police intervened while the investigation was going on in various ways.
As soon as the accident happened, Minister K. Rajan, Collector V.R. Krishna Teja and Commissioner Ankit Asokan contacted Thanjavur district administration directly and coordinated the rescue operation. Steps have been taken to bring back the injured. Steps were also taken to bring the dead bodies home. A police help desk has been started to coordinate the measures. Phone: 0487 2459420, 9497987132.
18 people in Thanjavur Medical College
Thrissur ∙ 18 people were seriously injured in an accident during the Velankanni Yatra and are being treated at the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital. Mercy Joseph (54), Ajith Subramanian (24), Abrid Paul (15), Bismi Paulson (42), Paulson (50), Judin Jithu (5), Aden Jinson (1), Sebastian Joseph (29), Joaquin Danish ( 7), Joseph Warith (63), Don Joseph (41), Pushpa Babu (57), Jinson Pulikan (37), Elamma Chacko (54), Chacko (65), Suma Thomas (42), Sebi Jacob (50), They are Noel Doan (4).