A tragic series of road accidents in and around Kochi has resulted in fatalities and injuries, casting a spotlight on road safety in the region. The most severe incident claimed the life of a patient being transported in an ambulance.
Ambulance Overturned in Aluva, Patient Succumbs
In a devastating incident early Monday, a 64-year-old man lost his life after the ambulance carrying him was involved in a collision. The accident occurred near Pulinchuvadu in Aluva around 12.40 am.
The deceased was identified as Esthappan V O, a resident of Marottichuvadu, Mattoor. He was being moved from a private hospital to the Govt Medical College Hospital in Ernakulam due to respiratory issues when the tragedy struck.
According to police, a tanker truck recklessly changed lanes at the Aluva Garage U-turn and slammed into the ambulance. The impact was so severe that the ambulance overturned.
Multiple Injuries and a Fatal Outcome
The crash left at least five people injured. All victims, including the ambulance staff and family members of the patient, were rushed to a private hospital in Aluva.
Among the injured were Esthappan's daughter, Preethi Steephan, who suffered a head injury, two other family members, and ambulance staffer Athul. Despite medical efforts, Esthappan's condition deteriorated, and he passed away around 3 am.
Separate Accidents Add to Kochi's Woes
In an unrelated incident on Tuesday morning, a pickup van carrying poultry overturned on the national highway in Nettoor. The driver lost control, causing the vehicle to topple onto the road median. Fortunately, a major tragedy was averted as no other vehicles were following closely. The driver and cleaner escaped with no major injuries.
In yet another fatal accident, a 24-year-old man, Rohit of Palyathuruth, Kuriyappilly, was killed in a head-on collision at Alangad near Aluva late on Sunday. Police reported that Rohit's motorcycle, which was speeding, crashed into a scooter coming from the opposite direction.
The two women riding the scooter sustained injuries but were reported to be in stable condition. The accident took a particularly heartbreaking turn as it was revealed that Rohit, who ran a workshop at Alangad Junction, had called his pregnant wife, staying at her paternal home, to inform her of his visit that night. The collision occurred after he had gone to Aluva following a call from a friend.
These consecutive accidents have raised serious concerns about road discipline and safety measures in the Kochi region, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and public awareness.
