A section of the under-construction National Highway 66 (NH-66) collapsed in Kerala's Kollam district on Friday, in a terrifying incident that saw a group of school children escape narrowly. The event, which occurred on December 5, 2025, has triggered strong public protests and renewed demands for a thorough scientific evaluation of the ongoing highway works across the state.
Miraculous Escape for Young Students
According to details reported by journalist Arjun Raghunath, the collapse happened on a stretch of the highway that is currently being developed. A group of children, presumably on their way home from school, had a providential escape as the road gave way. While no casualties were reported, the visual of the caved-in road section has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider state, highlighting a grave public safety concern.
Recurring Incidents Spark Public Outcry
This is not an isolated event. The collapse in Kollam adds to a growing list of similar incidents where portions of the under-construction NH-66 have failed at various locations in Kerala. These frequent failures have ignited strong public protest and a rising chorus of criticism. Citizens and activists are now vociferously demanding answers from authorities, questioning the quality of construction and the oversight mechanisms in place.
The core demand emerging from these protests is for a proper scientific evaluation of the entire highway project. Experts and the public alike are calling for an independent audit to investigate the causes behind these repeated collapses, which endanger lives and disrupt crucial connectivity.
Mounting Pressure for Accountability
The incident has put immense pressure on the agencies responsible for the highway's construction and maintenance. The narrow escape of school children has made the issue emotionally charged, amplifying calls for immediate corrective action and stringent safety protocols. There is a palpable fear that without urgent intervention, such incidents could lead to a major tragedy.
As the news spread, social media and local forums were flooded with expressions of anger and concern. The people of Kerala are seeking accountability and transparency, insisting that public infrastructure projects, especially one as critical as a national highway, must adhere to the highest standards of engineering and safety. The state now watches to see what concrete steps will be taken to prevent a repeat of such dangerous episodes on NH-66.
