Valpara Accident: School Van Driver, Not Tempo Traveller Driver, Was at the Wheel, Preliminary Findings Reveal

Palakkad: In a significant development in the investigation into the Valpara accident that claimed nine lives, preliminary findings indicate that it was not the Tempo Traveller driver but Noushad (39), the school van driver who was part of the travelling group, who was at the wheel at the time of the crash.

According to investigators, the Tempo Traveller's assigned driver, Mohammed Fahis Pichan (21), had stopped the vehicle at the 16th bend to take selfies, after which Noushad took over the driving. Officials are yet to issue a formal confirmation and will do so only after recording Noushad's statement — he is currently undergoing treatment in a critical condition at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital. Mohammed Fahis Pichan is also in the intensive care unit. Information has been gathered from eyewitnesses and rescue personnel. The Tamil Nadu and Kerala Motor Vehicles Departments conducted joint inspections on Saturday.

The Coimbatore Regional Transport Office report states that the vehicle veered to the right side at the 13th bend, lost control, and struck the protective wall before plunging down the hillside and hitting a rocky outcrop. Those who were thrown clear of the vehicle during the fall are among the survivors. Officials are also examining the possibility of brake failure as a contributing factor.

Doctors have meanwhile reported slight improvement in the condition of those still under treatment.