Home / Disasters and Accidents / Devotee Dies Trekking Velliangiri Hills After Ignoring Warnings
Devotee Dies Trekking Velliangiri Hills After Ignoring Warnings
9 May
Summary
- A 32-year-old man died of breathlessness on Velliangiri Hills.
- He ignored medical warnings and family pleas for his second trek attempt.
- Officials suggest mandatory online booking with medical clearance.
A 32-year-old devotee tragically lost his life to breathlessness while trekking the Velliangiri Hills in Coimbatore on Friday morning. Identified as A Mayilsamy, a taxi driver, he had reportedly ignored medical advice and his family's concerns before undertaking the challenging ascent.
Mayilsamy began his trek alone on Thursday night. He developed severe respiratory distress and collapsed on the fourth hill, Muzhangal Thittu. Fellow pilgrims alerted forest officials who attempted to bring him down, but he was declared deceased by doctors.
This incident marked Mayilsamy's second attempt to climb the hills within two weeks, having turned back previously due to chest pain and breathlessness. Authorities are exploring mandatory online booking systems requiring medical clearance to enhance safety for trekkers, especially those with pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions.
The Alandurai police have registered a case and the body has been sent for a postmortem. Medical screenings are now arranged at the foothills, though many bypass them, leading to arguments when fitness is questioned.
