Kottarakkara, June 23: A speeding tipper truck crashed into a crowded bus stop in Neeleswaram, near Kottarakkara, early Tuesday morning, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a school student. Authorities reported that the driver lacked a valid license for operating heavy vehicles.
The deceased have been identified as Harilal (54) from Kudavattur, 15-year-old Parthip, a student from Carmel School, and Ajay Kumar (45) from Neeleswaram Mukkonimukku.
The incident occurred around 7 AM when the truck, loaded with soil, lost control while descending a slope. Eyewitnesses stated that the truck first collided with a motorcycle before crashing into the bus stop, where students and other passengers were waiting for their bus.
The truck overturned after smashing through the bus stop, trapping several people underneath. Debris from the truck, along with soil and broken parts of the bus stop, fell on the victims.
Following the accident, eight individuals were trapped under the truck and debris. Local residents, police, and firefighters conducted a rescue operation using earth-moving machinery. Unfortunately, three individuals succumbed to their injuries either before reaching the hospital or during treatment.
Among the injured are students Kushal (15), Rishabh Boban (15), Navneet (13), Jibi Mol (15), and the truck driver Nizam. All are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals.
Two students admitted to Kollam Medicity Hospital are reported to be in critical condition, with one on ventilator support. Other injured individuals are being treated at Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital and Gokulam Medical College in Vengaramoodu.
The investigation revealed that the driver did not possess a license for operating heavy vehicles, raising serious questions about safety regulations. Police are working to determine whether negligence, speeding, or other factors contributed to the accident.
In response to the incident, the state government dispatched ministers to the site for relief and coordination efforts. The matter was also raised in the Kerala Assembly on Tuesday, where a local legislator brought attention to the tragedy.
According to local residents, the bus stop was unusually crowded due to delays in the morning bus service, with around 15 people waiting at the time of the accident. Police and revenue department officials are currently investigating the case.
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