Ten of the killed were from Pathanapuram, Kerala, and others from Andhra Pradesh, according to police sources. The victims include 20 males, one woman and four children. The condition of 13 injured was critical. They were rushed to the Kottayam Medical College Hospital. The other injured were admitted to the Pathanamthitta District Hospital.

The accident occurred when the pilgrims were returning after the darshan of the Makarajyothi.

Lakhs of devotees had converged at Sabarimala for the Makaravilakku festival. There was an unprecedented rush of pilgrims for a glimpse of the Jyothi.

The Jyothi

twinkled thrice at Ponnambalamedu on the eastern horizon of Sabarimala at 6.45 pm, arousing frenzied chants of `Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' from lakhs of devotees gathered there.

The kites were, as usual, sighted immediately before the arrival of Thiruvabharanam (holy ornaments) donated by Pandalam Raja.

The Thiruvabharanam was received at the Sannidhanam by Thanthri Kandararu Mohanaru, melsanthi P J Narayanan Namboodiri, and Travancore Devaswom Board president V G K Menon at 6.30 pm.

The Thiruvabharanam was taken along the pathinettampadi (eighteen steps) to the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum). The idol of Lord Ayyappa was adorned with the Thiruvabharanam, today being Makarasankranthi.

At 6.45 pm, when the doors of the Sreekovil were thrown open, the Jyothi appeared thrice, sending the pilgrims into a religious frenzy.