Kottarakkara Accident: Driver Had No Heavy Vehicle Licence, Tipper Lacked Permit

Kottarakkara: Shocking details have emerged in the case of the tipper lorry that rammed into a bus stop at Neeleswaram, Kottarakkara, killing three people. Authorities have confirmed that the lorry involved in the accident had no permit to transport sand, and that its driver did not hold a licence to operate heavy vehicles.

District Collector Annie Jula Thomas said strict action would be taken in the matter. The Motor Vehicles Department clarified that the driver had been operating the vehicle for the first time after returning from abroad, and that he had been driving the tipper lorry without a heavy vehicle driving licence.

The accident took place despite a rule barring tipper lorries from plying on roads between 8 am and 10 am and 3.30 pm and 5 pm. The vehicle had been operated in complete disregard of these regulations. The fitness certificate of the tipper lorry involved in the accident has been cancelled.

The Motor Vehicles Department said proceedings to cancel the vehicle's permit would begin shortly. Inspection also revealed that the lorry had been carrying more load than permitted. The tragic accident occurred at Neeleswaram Mukkolimukku this morning.

The lorry, while giving way to an oncoming vehicle, lost control and ploughed into the group waiting at the bus stop. Those killed in the accident were private college teacher Harilal (54), Class 10 student Parthip, and Ajayakumar (50).

The lorry driver and cleaner had to be extricated after the vehicle was cut open. The fact that the speeding lorry careened in uncontrolled added to the scale of the tragedy.

The Collector said a thorough investigation would be conducted into the incident and strong action taken against those found responsible. Tipper lorry driver Nizam (40), along with Rishaf (15) Kushal, Rishabh Boban (15), Navaneeth (13) and Jibi Mol (15), were injured and are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.