A tourist bus ferrying students to an academic study tour overturned early on January 17, 2026 near Navayaikkulam, Kallambalam in Thiruvananthapuram district, leaving at least 17 students injured, with several reported in serious condition. The accident occurred on the National Highway service road at approximately 3:30 AM, when the bus apparently lost control and toppled near a residential area.
The bus was carrying around 42 passengers, including MBA students and faculty members from Sahrdaya Engineering College, Kodakara, Thrissur district, who were on their way to Vizhinjam Port for a study tour. Early reports indicate that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and overturn.
Local residents heard the crash and immediately rushed to assist the trapped passengers, helping to pull students and teachers from the wreckage before emergency services arrived. Rescue teams and police reached the site shortly after, and the injured were transported to Parippally Medical College, with those in serious condition later moved to a private hospital in Kollam for specialised treatment.
Among the injured, two students were reported to be in critical condition, while others sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Authorities are continuing to monitor their health status and have called in additional medical support as needed.
Investigators are probing the exact cause of the accident, including driver fatigue, vehicle condition and road factors. With highway construction in progress in parts of the area, some traffic was diverted to service roads — potentially contributing to the challenges faced by the driver at the time of the incident. Police have said a detailed inquiry will follow to determine any negligence or mechanical issues.
The incident has underscored ongoing concerns about road safety measures and fatigue among long-distance bus drivers, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
