Kottarakkara (Kerala), June 23 (IANS) A speeding tipper truck rammed into a crowded bus stop at Neeleswaram near Kottarakkara on Tuesday morning, killing three persons, including a school student. Authorities said the vehicle was allegedly driven by a man who did not possess a licence to operate heavy vehicles.

The deceased were identified as Harilal (54) of Kudavattur, Parthip (15), a Class 10 student of Carmel School, and Ajay Kumar (45) of Neeleswaram Mukonimukku.

The accident occurred around 7 a.m. when the tipper truck carrying soil lost control while coming down a slope at high speed.

According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle first hit a motorcycle before crashing into the bus stop where students and passengers were waiting. The truck overturned after destroying the shelter, trapping those waiting underneath.

The soil loaded on the vehicle, along with debris from the collapsed bus stop and nearby structures, fell on the victims.

Eight people were trapped under the truck and the debris. Local residents, police, and fire force personnel launched a rescue operation, using earthmovers to remove the soil and lift the vehicle.

However, three people died before they could be shifted to the hospital or soon after reaching the facility.

The injured included students Kushal (15), Rishabh Boban (15), Navaneeth (13), Jibi Mol (15), and the tipper driver Nizam of Chavara. They are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.

Two students admitted to Kollam Medicity are in critical condition, with one shifted to ventilator support. Others are being treated at Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital and Gokulam Medical College, Venjaramoodu.

The revelation that the driver did not hold a heavy vehicle license has raised serious questions over safety violations.

Authorities are examining whether negligence, overspeeding, or other lapses contributed to the accident.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s government deputed Ministers P. C. Vishnunath and Bindu Krishna to reach the accident site and coordinate relief and follow-up action.

The issue also came up in the Kerala Assembly on Tuesday morning, with Kottarakkara MLA K. N. Balagopal raising the tragedy on the floor of the House.

Residents said the bus stop had more people than usual as several students and passengers had gathered for the morning bus, which was delayed.

Around 15 people were reportedly waiting at the spot when the tragedy struck.

Police and revenue officials are continuing their probe into the accident.

–IANS

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