The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while going down a hilly road, as the vehicle hit a guard rail and plunged 30.4m into a ravine.

The van was ferrying the tourists from the Palani temple, Daily Thanthi reported.

Locals immediately rushed to help extract the victims from the vehicle, with all 12 Malaysians reportedly suffering serious injuries. They were taken to the Kodaikanal government hospital for treatment.

Separately, Wisma Putra said none of the Malaysians had sustained life-threatening injuries, adding that it was in close contact with the relevant local authorities for updates on the situation.

“Several individuals in the group sustained minor injuries, and four others sustained heavy but not life-threatening injuries,” it said in a statement.