1.The site where nomads were sleeping 2.The lorry that caused the accident
Thrissur: At least five people, including two children, were killed and six others injured when a truck crashed into a roadside tent where they were sleeping in Thrissur district early on Tuesday, police said.
The victims, nomads living in tents along the national highway in Nattika under the Valapad police station limits, were struck by the truck at around 4:30 am. The deceased include a one-and-a-half-year-old child, a four-year-old, and two women.
According to the police, the truck was transporting timber from Kannur, and both the driver and cleaner were drunk at the time of the accident. The cleaner, who lacked a valid driving license, was behind the wheel when the crash occurred.
A senior police officer confirmed that both the driver and the cleaner were drunk at the time of the incident. He added that both individuals have been taken into custody.
Police have registered a case under the non-bailable provision of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Witnesses said the vehicle was speeding, and the driver and cleaner attempted to flee the scene but were caught by locals and handed over to the police.
Thrissur City Police Commissioner R Ilango, who visited the accident site, confirmed the case registration. District Collector Arjun Pandian also visited the site and assured that the injured, including two in serious condition, are receiving treatment at Thrissur Medical College. He further added that post-mortem and inquest procedures would be completed promptly, and the bodies would be handed over to their families.
State Revenue Minister K Rajan expressed regret over the incident, calling it "unfortunate" and highlighting the lapses in the actions of the driver and cleaner. He also said that authorities will investigate why the victims were sleeping by the roadside. A detailed report has been requested from both the police and the Collector's office.
With PTI inputs