Pedestrian Killed, Three Injured in Coimbatore After Driver's Epileptic Seizure
A tragic accident unfolded on Oppanakkara Street in Coimbatore city on Thursday morning. A pedestrian lost his life, and three others sustained injuries after a driver suffered a sudden epileptic seizure behind the wheel.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The incident occurred around 7.35 am near Ukkadam. Police identified the driver as S Santhosh Kumar, a 38-year-old resident of PN Pudur. He was traveling with his 70-year-old father, Sethuraman, towards Pollachi in a multipurpose vehicle (MPV).
Without warning, Santhosh developed a severe epileptic seizure. He immediately lost control of the vehicle. The MPV veered off the road and struck four pedestrians who were walking along the street.
Victims of the Crash
One of the pedestrians, a man approximately 55 years old, died instantly at the scene. Authorities have not yet confirmed his identity. Local residents mentioned they often saw him wandering near the Town Hall and Ukkadam areas.
The three injured pedestrians were quickly rushed to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for urgent medical care. They are:
- Eswari, 43, from Virudhunagar district.
- J Sivakumar, 43, from Pullukkadu near Ukkadam in the city.
- Susila, 60, Sivakumar's mother.
All three are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
Driver's Medical History Revealed
Police conducted a preliminary inquiry into the driver's background. They discovered that Santhosh Kumar was involved in a serious accident 15 years ago. That collision resulted in a significant head injury.
Following treatment for that injury, he began experiencing occasional epileptic seizures. Medical professionals had explicitly advised him against operating any motor vehicles due to this condition.
Santhosh also suffered injuries during Thursday's crash. He was admitted to a private hospital in Coimbatore for care.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
Police have officially registered a case against both Santhosh Kumar and his father, Sethuraman. The investigation into the precise circumstances of the accident continues. Officers are gathering more evidence and statements to determine the full sequence of events.
This incident has raised serious concerns about road safety and medical fitness for drivers in the region.
