Kochi: A tragic road accident at Edappally Bank Junction early Friday morning claimed the lives of two students and left two others critically injured after their car collided with a metro pillar. The deceased have been identified as Muneer and Haroon Shaji, both residents of Alappuzha.
The two other students, Yaqub and Aadil, who were also in the ill-fated vehicle, sustained severe injuries and are currently undergoing treatment in critical condition at Medical Trust Hospital.
The fatal incident occurred around 3:30 AM today. According to preliminary reports from traffic officials, the car was traveling from the Aluva side when it first struck a road divider. The driver then lost control of the vehicle, which subsequently crashed violently into a metro pillar. The force of the impact completely destroyed the front and one side of the car, with an alloy wheel detaching from the vehicle.
A significant factor contributing to the gravity of the injuries and fatalities was the non-deployment of the front airbags, despite the severe nature of the collision. Traffic officials are investigating several potential causes for the accident, including the possibility of the driver falling asleep at the wheel, excessive speed, or failing to notice a pothole on the road.
Adding another layer to the investigation, officials noted that the car involved in the crash had undergone extensive modifications, including alterations to its silencer. Such modifications can sometimes affect a vehicle’s handling and safety characteristics. A comprehensive investigation is underway to ascertain the precise sequence of events and the exact cause of this devastating accident.