In a tragic incident early Sunday morning on the Kolani Bypass near Thodupuzha in Idukki district, an 18-year-old engineering student lost his life and his friend was critically injured after their motorcycle collided with a heavy lorry. The accident occurred at around 4:15 am when a timber-laden lorry, coming from the Kolani side, struck the two-wheeler which was heading towards Pala.
The deceased has been identified as Abhishek Vinod, a native of Kanjirappally in Kottayam district and a first-year engineering student at a college in Kalamassery. Riding with him was his classmate Kiran Radhakrishnan (19) from Kollam district, who sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment in critical condition at a private hospital in Thodupuzha.
According to fire and rescue officials, the impact of the collision threw both young men onto the road due to the high speed of the vehicles. Rescue teams from the Thodupuzha Fire and Rescue Unit rushed to the accident site soon after information was received, and they transported the victims in the department’s ambulance to the hospital. Abhishek succumbed to his injuries despite immediate medical attention.
Local police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances of the crash, including possible factors such as the speed of the vehicles and visibility conditions at that hour. Authorities are also examining whether road conditions or vehicle defects contributed to the severity of the accident.
The untimely death of a young student has once again brought attention to road safety concerns in hilly regions like Idukki, where narrow roads and early morning travel can increase the risk of fatal accidents. Traffic officials and local residents have reiterated the need for heightened caution among riders and drivers on these routes.
News as reported
