Tragic Collision Claims Lives of Newlyweds and Two Others in Kerala
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Chennai, Dec 15 (NationPress) Four family members, including a newlywed couple, tragically perished when their car collided with a minibus in Murinjikkal, located in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.
The devastating incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday when the minibus was transporting Sabarimala pilgrims.
The victims were identified as Mathayi Eappen, Anu, Nikhil, and Biju George, all hailing from Mallassery in Konni.
Nikhil and Anu, who celebrated their wedding on November 30, were returning home from Thiruvananthapuram airport after a honeymoon trip to Malaysia.
Biju George was Anu’s father, while Mathayi Eappen was Nikhil’s father. Nikhil was employed in Canada and had plans to settle there with Anu, who was preparing to join him.
The collision happened around 4:05 a.m. on the Punalur-Muvattupuzha State Highway. According to authorities, the accident likely occurred when the car’s driver fell asleep, leading to a collision with the bus transporting pilgrims from Hyderabad.
Three men in the car died instantly, while the woman succumbed to her injuries at a private hospital in Pathanamthitta. A few passengers from the bus, including the driver, sustained minor injuries.
Local residents were the first to arrive at the scene, attempting to assist the victims. The police and fire services subsequently arrived, employing a hydraulic cutter to free the four individuals trapped in the vehicle.
Community members have raised alarms regarding the rising number of accidents on this section of the Punalur-Muvattupuzha highway, especially after its recent reconstruction.
Local Congress leader Kurien Joseph expressed his sympathies, stating, “Anu and Nikhil's marriage, which took place on November 30 after an eight-year romance, ended in tragedy just seven kilometers from their residence.”
The families are in deep mourning as neighbors and relatives attempt to provide comfort.
The police have commenced an investigation into the accident.
