Tragic Road Accident Claims Lives of Eight Engineering Students in Thrissur
Fatal Collision on National Highway 66
People gather near wreckage of a car after it collided with a lorry parked on the highway at Kaipamangalam, in Thrissur district. (Photo:PTI)
Thrissur, Sep 5: Eight engineering students from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, tragically lost their lives in a road accident at Kaipamangalam, Thrissur. The college reported that the students had embarked on this trip without notifying the institution.
Authorities were informed of the incident by Kerala Police early Saturday morning, as the college was closed for a holiday, suggesting that the students organized the trip independently.
Among the deceased, one student named Santhosh had been residing in the college hostel but had returned home prior to the journey.
Family members and college representatives have traveled to Thrissur following the news of the accident.
The fatal incident occurred around midnight when the car carrying the students collided with a stationary truck on National Highway 66. Reports indicate that five of the occupants died instantly, while the others succumbed to their injuries later. The bodies were subsequently transported to Thrissur Medical College Hospital for post-mortem procedures before being returned to their families.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) stated that the vehicle was likely speeding at the time of the crash. They assured that proper warning signs and safety measures were in place along the highway and pledged to assist with the ongoing investigation.
However, local residents have raised concerns regarding highway safety and the illegal parking of heavy vehicles in the area. They claimed that three trucks were parked unlawfully on the road during the accident, and that the drivers of two of these vehicles left the scene afterward.
Residents also highlighted issues such as inadequate lighting, lack of speed bumps, and poorly positioned directional signs as contributing factors to road accidents. They noted that vehicles entering the highway from service roads often travel at high speeds, while parked trucks present a significant hazard at night.
This stretch of Kaipamangalam has a history of severe accidents, including the tragic death of actor and mimicry artist Kollam Sudhi in a previous incident.
Minister O.J. Janeesh Kumar has stated that the allegations regarding the negligent parking of the truck will be thoroughly investigated. He criticized the NHAI for insufficient safety measures during highway construction and reiterated the need for adequate warnings and safeguards.
Authorities are currently looking into the details surrounding the crash.