A 24-year-old newlywed woman was killed and six others sustained injuries in a multi-vehicle pile-up at Kowdiar Junction in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday morning. The incident has reignited concerns over pedestrian safety, roadside parking, and the absence of protective barriers along busy city roads.
Victim and Injured
The deceased has been identified as Noushiya, a resident of Chittur in Palakkad district. Her husband Ashiq and cousin Ashna Sherin suffered serious injuries in the crash. The accident occurred around 10:30 am when a car traveling from the Kuravankonam side allegedly went out of control near Kowdiar Junction, colliding with multiple vehicles before veering onto the roadside and hitting pedestrians.
Cause of Accident
According to police, the driver, Mohan Thomas (77), reportedly lost control of the vehicle after experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure. A case has been registered against him. Police stated: 'The vehicle hit several vehicles and pedestrians. A case has been registered and further investigation is under way.'
Medical Treatment
The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. Noushiya succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment. Ashiq, who suffered fractures and multiple injuries, was initially admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) and later transferred to a private hospital for advanced care. Sherin continues treatment at MCH and is reported to be stable. Other injured individuals include Asma of Thiruvananthapuram, migrant worker Ali Akbar, Kayamkulam native Nidheesh, and Sunil Kumar.
Background of the Couple
According to relatives, Ashiq and Noushiya had arrived in Thiruvananthapuram by bus early Friday for a short weekend visit. The couple planned to spend two days with Sherin, who has been attending civil service coaching classes in the city for the past year. The couple got married only a month ago. Ashiq, a native of Koduvayur, works in the human resources department of a private company in the UAE and came home on leave for the wedding. Noushiya was preparing for state PSC examinations.
Safety Concerns
The incident has brought renewed focus on safety along the busy Kowdiar–Kuravankonam stretch, where traffic congestion and roadside parking have long been flagged by police. Officials pointed to unregulated roadside parking as a major issue. Many commercial establishments and bakeries along the stretch lack adequate parking facilities, forcing commuters to park vehicles along the roadside, thereby narrowing the carriageway and affecting visibility for motorists.
Police recalled a similar incident near the general hospital last year, in which five persons, including two pedestrians, were injured after a speeding car lost control and veered onto a footpath. ACP (Traffic) R Suresh said several footpaths in the city either lack protective safety grills or have poorly maintained barriers. He added: 'We had earlier informed the authorities concerned about the need to install and repair safety grills along busy stretches after similar incidents, but no action has been taken so far.'
Compensation and Investigation
Police also said that Noushiya's family would be eligible for compensation of Rs 2 lakh under existing accident relief provisions. Her body was shifted to the mortuary for postmortem examination. Further investigation is ongoing.
