Kenyan accident: Tragedy struck Palakkad family ahead of vacation trip to home
The woman's father said that his daughter and son-in-law, Joel, were settled in Qatar for the last six years and since their children's summer vacation was in July-August, they were scheduled to reach Kerala on June 28.
"We were waiting for them to come and that is when this tragedy occurred," he told a TV channel.
A tourist bus carrying a group of 28 Indian nationals met with the accident at around 7 pm IST on June 9 in a region about 150 kilometres from Nairobi, according to a statement issued by the Kerala CM's office on Tuesday.
It had also said that at least five Keralites were feared dead, though the Indian High Commission in Nairobi has yet to officially confirm the names of the victims and that the tourists had arrived from Qatar.
The deceased woman's father said that his son-in-law and grandson were undergoing treatment at a hospital in the Kenyan-capital of Nairobi and his son reached there on Tuesday night from Dubai to help them.
"Joel has to undergo surgery and thereafter, it has to be seen when he can travel. The bodies of my daughter and grand-daughter are at a mortuary around three hours from Nairobi," he said.
He further said that all formalities to bring the bodies back were expected to be completed in a couple of days.
He also said that once the bodies arrive in Kerala, they will be first brought to the woman's home here for a few hours for friends and relatives to pay their last respects and then the remains will be taken to her husband's place in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu for the final rites.
The Gulf Times newspaper had reported that the bus the Indian tourists were travelling in got out of control and fell into a gorge in the northeastern county of Nyandarua.
Citing community sources, the paper had said that at least five tourists from south India were killed in the accident.
However, the identity of the dead is yet to be verified, while 27 are injured and admitted to various hospitals in Kenya, it had added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Mahabodhi temple preservation gets Unesco backing
1 2 3 4 Gaya: Unesco director Tim Curtis has reviewed the ongoing conservation and maintenance work at the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya , the revered site of Buddha's enlightenment and a world heritage monument. His two-day visit concluded on Saturday. Curtis examined the preservation measures and discussed Unesco's continued support for safeguarding the temple's integrity in line with global heritage conservation standards. He reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to working closely with local authorities and the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) to ensure the iconic heritage site is preserved for future generations. During his visit, Curtis joined evening prayers in both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions, performed by venerable monks from different nations in the sanctum sanctorum. He offered lamps, incense sticks and flowers before the statue of Buddha, accompanied by the chanting of sacred sutras, and meditated under the sacred Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi temple was inscribed as a world heritage site on June 29, 2002. In addition to serving as Unesco's Delhi-based director, Curtis is the organisation's representative for monitoring heritage operations in South Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo When the temple received its world heritage status, Rathi Vinay Jha, then secretary of the department of tourism and culture, signed the agreement on behalf of the govt of India, committing to its conservation in accordance with Unesco guidelines. Unesco's recommendations emphasised preserving the shrine's spiritual atmosphere. They called for a two-tier buffer zone – within 1km of the outer wall, only ground-floor structures vital for religious use and sympathetic in design to the site are permitted; between one and two kilometres, buildings must not exceed 44 feet and should reflect Bodh Gaya's traditional architectural style. Lowering the eastern boundary wall was also advised to improve the shrine's visibility. These measures aim to maintain the serenity of the site for meditation and prevent intrusive concrete structures that could diminish its spiritual character. Curtis was received at the temple by chief priest Ven Bhikkhu Chalinda. BTMC secretary Mahashweta Maharathi and Virendra Singh, superintending archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India, briefed him on the site's ongoing development. Maharathi told this newspaper that the Unesco director was "entirely satisfied" with the committee's work. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
From Ukraine to Romania: Europe's 10 poorest countries by GNI per capita
Some of the richest nations in the world are located in Europe, yet there is great economic disparity within the continent. While there are some countries like Switzerland, Norway and the Isle of Man that boast some of the highest Gross National Income (GNI) per capita figures on earth, others failed to fare better. GNI per capita is a common indicator of country's economic well being, and this data is as per the Data Pandas that reveals the lowest ranking European countries in terms of this metric. While largely economic in nature, such data can also influence travel decisions, as income levels often shape a country's tourism infrastructure, affordability, and overall visitor experience. As per the said data, among the lowest-ranking countries, Ukraine has the smallest GNI per capita at just $3.5K, which is followed by Moldova at $4.6K and Albania at $5.2K. These nations have been facing multifaceted challenges, including political instability, underdeveloped infrastructure, and socio-economic inequality. The data reveals a clear pattern that emerges in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, where several countries record relatively low GNI per capita values. North Macedonia stands at $5.7K, Bosnia and Herzegovina at $6.1K, and Belarus at $6.3K. Serbia ($7.4K) and Montenegro ($7.9K) also fall within this economically struggling group. Read more: 10 most populated cities in the world; 2 Indian cities make the cut Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. Bulgaria, with a GNI per capita of $9.5K in 2022, has improved from $9K in 2020. Romania rounds out the list with $12.6K, still below many of its European counterparts but on an upward trend. In contrast, the wealthiest European countries include Switzerland ($88.0K), the Isle of Man ($83.2K), and Norway ($78.3K), illustrating the wide economic gap within the continent. 10 poorest countries in Europe by GNI per capita Ukraine – $3.5K Moldova – $4.6K Albania – $5.2K North Macedonia – $5.7K Bosnia and Herzegovina – $6.1K Belarus – $6.3K Serbia – $7.4K Montenegro – $7.9K Bulgaria – $9.5K Romania – $12.6K These figures reflect not only current economic standings but also the complex social, political, and historical factors shaping the financial health of nations across Europe. Read more: 8 interesting destinations named after food Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
India Today
5 hours ago
- India Today
Lhakpa Tsering to represent India at 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally in Thailand
Indian cross-country rally veteran Lhakpa Tsering is gearing up for one of the most grueling motorsport events in Asia — the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2025. Known as the 'Dakar of the East,' the nine-day event will see competitors battle across 3,400 kilometers of punishing terrain in Thailand from August 8 to India — and proudly carrying the hopes of the Northeast — Lhakpa will drive the latest Toyota Hilux, a vehicle built for extreme an honour to represent India at the Asia Cross Country Rally, and even more special to carry the hopes of the Northeast with me,' said Lhakpa. 'This is a big step not just in my journey, but also for aspiring motorsport talent from the region. I'm grateful to JK Tyre, the Department of Youth Affairs of Arunachal Pradesh, and Tanor Engineering for believing in me and supporting this dream.' This year's AXCR will feature top teams from Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India. Starting and finishing in Pattaya, the route demands supreme mental grit, physical stamina, and flawless teamwork as racers navigate dense forests, mountain trails, riverbeds, and unforgiving off-road Arunachal Pradesh Department of Youth Affairs is leveraging the state's unique landscape to build a thriving adventure sports ecosystem, organizing exposure tours and collaborations with Southeast Asian nations to develop skills in adventure tourism, martial arts, culinary arts, and more. These initiatives aim to empower youth, boost tourism, and position the state as a premier hub for eco-adventure Tatak's Tanor Engineering has been instrumental in developing infrastructure and supporting youth programs, while Doc Rider continues to inspire the region's motorsport community through events, mentorship, and advocacy for safe, skilled a powerful machine, experienced backing, and an unshakable drive, Lhakpa Tsering now sets his sights on the AXCR — a race that will test every limit in the pursuit of glory for India.- Ends
