Palakkad: Four students were tragically killed when a cement truck lost control and crashed into them at Panayampadam in Mannarkkad, Palakkad on Thursday afternoon. The victims, identified as Irfana, Mitha, Ridha, and Ayesha, died on the spot, according to police.
The students, who were returning home from Karimba Higher Secondary School after their exams, were struck by the truck at around 4 PM. The cement truck overturned after crashing into another truck, causing severe damage. Locals reported that five students were under the truck at the time of the incident, and four tragically lost their lives.
Residents quickly rushed to the site and managed to rescue the injured students, taking them to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police also arrived and conducted rescue operations. The two truck drivers, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, are currently being treated. Locals mentioned that Panayampadam is a known accident-prone area.
Educationa Minister V Shivankutty expressed his condolences over the deaths of the students, calling the incident deeply saddening. He further stated that an immediate investigation would be launched into the accident. The Palakkad District Collector has been assigned to prepare a detailed report on the matter, and the Director of Public Education has also been instructed to visit the site of the accident promptly.