Five Killed, Including Two Children, as Truck Ploughs Into Roadside Tent in Thrissur

GG News Bureau
Thrissur, 26th Nov. At least five people, including two children, lost their lives, and six others were injured when a truck rammed into a roadside tent early Tuesday morning. The victims, identified as nomads living in makeshift shelters along the highway in Nattika under Valapad police station limits, were asleep when the accident occurred at approximately 4:30 am.

Among the deceased are two children aged one-and-a-half and four years, along with two women. According to the police, the truck was carrying timber from Kannur, and the vehicle’s cleaner, who lacked a driving license, was at the wheel when the accident occurred.

“Both the driver and cleaner were intoxicated,” a senior police official revealed. They attempted to flee the scene but were apprehended by locals and handed over to authorities.

Legal Action Initiated
Thrissur City Police Commissioner R. Ilango confirmed that a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been registered against the accused. This offence carries a maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment.

Eyewitnesses reported the truck was speeding at the time of the crash. Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.

Assistance to Victims
District Collector Arjun Pandian assured the media that the injured, including two in critical condition, are receiving treatment at Thrissur Medical College. He added that the inquest and post-mortem of the deceased would be expedited to hand over the bodies to their families.

State Revenue Minister K. Rajan termed the incident “unfortunate” and highlighted serious lapses by the driver and cleaner, as noted in the initial police findings. He also stated that the circumstances compelling the victims to sleep roadside would be thoroughly examined.