Kerala: Speeding Truck Runs Over 4 Students, CM Vows Action After Locals Stage Protest

Four school students lost their lives after a speeding cement lorry mowed them down and overturned at Kalladikode in Palakkad-Kozhikode National Highway in Kerala on Thursday. The accident occurred while the Class 8 girl students were returning home after their classes. Following the accident, the locals staged a protest and demanded the officials to make the place an accident-free zone.

On Thursday, a truck transporting cement at Kalladikode lost control, ran amok the students and overturned. Around 5 girl were at the place and one of them had escaped the accident. The deceased were identified as Irfana, Aysha, Rida Fathima and Nida Fathima, as per a report on Mathrumbumi.

According to police reports, the truck overturned after colliding with the students, leading to suspicions that more children might be trapped beneath the vehicle. Despite being rushed to nearby hospitals, the injured students succumbed to their injuries, police confirmed, as per PTI.

However, local residents took to a massive protest alleging the authorities’ ignorance to their repeated complaints of the place becoming an accident-prone zone. The protesters also demanded swift action to enhance road safety and prevent further accidents.

CM Assures Action

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed profound sorrow over the incident, describing it as “heartbreaking” and “shocking.” He assured the public that all necessary measures were being taken to provide emergency medical care to the injured and emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring road safety.

“A detailed investigation will be conducted, and necessary action will be taken,” the Chief Minister stated, as per PTI. 

An official from the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) stated that the exact cause of the accident is under investigation. “We are examining whether the truck lost control or collided with another vehicle. Preliminary checks show no issues with overloading, tire conditions, or the vehicle’s age,” the official said, adding that the area is prone to hydroplaning, which could have been a contributing factor.

The truck driver and cleaner, who sustained injuries in the crash, have been taken into custody and are currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the accident.