Boy injured in horse-riding mishap in Kodaikanal

Madurai: A nine-year-old boy sustained serious injuries after the horse he was riding went out of control and dragged him along the road near Star Lake in Kodaikanal on Tuesday.

The boy, Joel, son of Jeyaraj from Kariapatti in Virudhunagar district, was visiting Kodaikanal with his family. Around 2:30 pm, after sightseeing, the family opted for horse riding near Lake Road. Joel mounted a hired horse under the supervision of its caretaker, Pandi.

According to sources, the horse suddenly panicked when it was stopped for a photo. It pulled free from the handler, causing Joel to lose balance. His leg got briefly entangled, and he was dragged for a short distance before falling to the ground. He sustained multiple injuries and was rushed to the Kodaikanal Government Hospital, and later referred to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai.

CCTV footage of the incident went viral on social media, sparking concern among tourists, especially with the summer crowd expected to swell in April and May.