Driver booked after Kuttippuram crash; probe into speed, safety factors begins

The police have registered a case against bus driver Shabeer in connection with Sunday’s accident on National Highway-66 at Kuttippuram that killed one passenger and injured 20 others. Three passengers remain in critical condition.

Shabeer, who was among those injured in the crash, was booked under charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, based on a complaint filed by a survivor. The complaint alleged that the bus was travelling at high speed and that the driver’s negligence caused the accident.

The police said the preliminary investigation suggested that the bus lost control while overtaking another vehicle at high speed on a downhill curve and crashed into the roadside barrier. The impact caused a tyre to come off, and the bus to split into two as it overturned onto a car that had been parked by the roadside after an earlier accident. A ruptured diesel tank triggered panic at the scene.

The Motor Vehicles department (MVD) has launched a post-crash investigation to determine whether the accident was caused by human error, mechanical failure or road-related issues.

Enforcement RTO T.P. Yousuf said officials were examining technical aspects and collecting evidence before finalising the report. The probe will look into factors, including speeding, possible tyre failure and road design.

Transport Minister C.P. John said a detailed report prepared under the supervision of the Transport Commissioner would be submitted within five days.

Meanwhile, protests erupted at the Vettichira toll plaza after ambulance drivers alleged that vehicles carrying critically injured crash victims were delayed while being taken to a private hospital in Kottakkal.

Drivers alleged that toll plaza officials did not open additional lanes despite being informed about the medical emergency and instead directed them to approach the national highway authorities. Ambulance driver Shifarath, who was carrying an injured survivor, said the vehicle was held up at the plaza for several minutes.

Three ambulances carrying accident victims reached the toll plaza one after another. Drivers alleged that the first two ambulances were delayed due to the lack of a clear passage.

Around 100 ambulances later staged a protest by parking on both sides of the toll plaza, while allowing other vehicles to pass. The protest led to a brief confrontation with police.

Ambulance operators demanded dedicated lanes for emergency vehicles at toll plazas. Residents also called for urgent safety measures on the accident-prone stretch.