Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of Migrant Labourer in Kochi
A fatal road accident involving a state-run bus has resulted in the death of a pedestrian in Kochi. The incident occurred on Tuesday night beneath the busy Vyttila flyover, casting a spotlight on road safety in the area.
The victim, identified as Kannan (45), a native of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday afternoon. He had been working as a casual labourer in and around the Vyttila region for the past three decades.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident took place when a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus, plying from Vyttila Hub to Thiruvananthapuram, allegedly at high speed, knocked down Kannan. Authorities report that after the initial impact, the rear wheels of the bus crushed the abdominal part of the man, leading to severe injuries.
Alert locals who witnessed the tragedy immediately rushed the critically injured man to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, he could not be saved and passed away the following day.
Secondary Crime Compounds the Tragedy
In a shocking turn of events that added insult to injury, an act of theft was reported in the aftermath of the rescue effort. While passengers and locals were attending to the victim, the bag of one helpful passenger was allegedly stolen by another individual on the same bus. This incident has raised further questions about the chaotic scene following the accident.
The area around Vyttila Hub and the flyover is known for heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This tragic event has renewed calls from citizens and activists for improved traffic regulation, stricter speed control for public transport vehicles, and enhanced pedestrian safety infrastructure in one of Kochi's major transit points.
The police are investigating the case, and the bus driver is likely to face legal action. The death of Kannan highlights the vulnerabilities faced by daily wage workers and the perennial issue of road safety in India's bustling urban centers.
