Thiruvananthapuram, 02 May (H.S.): The Kerala Cabinet has approved financial assistance of ₹10 lakh each for the families of five victims who lacked insurance coverage in the tragic Valparai ghat road accident that claimed 10 lives last month.

The decision was taken to extend relief through the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF), while noting that the remaining deceased — mostly teachers — were covered under insurance schemes.

The accident occurred on April 17 at around 5 pm, when a tempo traveller carrying 13 people overturned and plunged into a deep gorge along the Valparai ghat road. The group, comprising teachers, non-teaching staff, family members and the driver, was on a leisure trip when the mishap took place. Ten persons were killed and three others sustained injuries.

The victims were associated with Parammal ALP School, Paangu, near Kolathur, and GUP School, Paangu, both located in Malappuram district. The trip had been organised by staff members of Parammal ALP School, with participation from the neighbouring GUP School.

Those who lost their lives include headmistress Ajitha; teachers Ramla, Suhara, Asha, Abdul Majeed and Shakkeena; Majeed’s wife Rukiya; staff member Sajitha; school bus driver Noushad Ali; and Hisham, the son of teacher Suhara.

The ₹10 lakh ex gratia assistance will be provided to the families of Noushad Ali, Sajitha, Rukiya, Shakkeena and Hisham, who were not covered by insurance.

The state government has also decided to bear the treatment expenses of the injured — Mohammed Shahad, Masneen and driver Mohammed Fahis. In cases where victims are insured, any additional medical costs exceeding coverage limits will also be met through the CMDRF, ensuring comprehensive support to affected families.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman