- विज्ञापन -
Chennai: A devastating accident in Murinjikkal, Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, resulted in the deaths of four family members, including a newlywed couple. The collision, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, involved a car and a minibus transporting Sabarimala pilgrims.
The victims were identified as Mathayi Eappen, Anu, Nikhil, and Biju George, all from Mallassery in Konni. Nikhil and Anu, who had married just on November 30, were returning home from their honeymoon in Malaysia via Thiruvananthapuram airport. Anu was the daughter of Biju George, and Nikhil was the son of Mathayi Eappen. Nikhil worked in Canada and had plans to settle there with Anu.
The accident took place around 4:05 a.m. on the Punalur-Muvattupuzha State Highway, and police suspect that the car collided with the bus, which was coming from Hyderabad, after the driver fell asleep. Three men in the vehicle died instantly, while Anu died from her injuries later at a private hospital in Pathanamthitta. Some passengers on the bus, including the driver, suffered minor injuries.
Local residents were the first to respond to the scene, attempting to assist the victims until the police and fire department arrived with a hydraulic cutter to free those trapped in the car. There are growing concerns in the community regarding the increasing number of accidents along this highway, particularly following its recent reconstruction.
Kurien Joseph, a local Congress leader, expressed his condolences, noting that Anu and Nikhil’s marriage followed an eight-year relationship and that the tragedy occurred just seven kilometers from their home. Both families are in deep shock as relatives and neighbors gather to offer their support. The police are currently investigating the incident.
