Three killed as Mini Cooper rams scooter near Kochi airport

Three people, including two 21-year-old women, were killed after a speeding Mini Cooper rammed into their scooter near Nedumbassery in Kerala’s Ernakulam district in the early hours of Sunday, October 11. Police have confirmed that the driver had consumed alcohol and are investigating whether he had used other intoxicating substances.

The deceased have been identified as Ijaz, a native of Karnataka, Devika from Wayanad and Gopika from Palakkad. All three worked at a shop in Thrikkakara and were returning towards Athani after stopping for tea near the Cochin International Airport.

The accident occurred around 1.45 am near Moozhiyal, close to Suvarnodyanam and the Athani signal, when the Mini Cooper allegedly hit their scooter from behind. The impact threw the three onto the road, causing severe injuries. The car reportedly dragged the scooter for nearly 100 metres before stopping. All three succumbed to their injuries.

The driver, identified as Suhail Sajeev, was taken into custody after local residents stopped him following the crash.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Baiju Paulose said overspeeding had been confirmed and that the driver had consumed alcohol. Police were checking whether he had used any other drugs.

According to reports, Suhail had arrived in the area to pick up a friend who had landed at the airport. After the collision, he allegedly argued with the people who gathered at the scene and said that his father would take care of the consequences. His father owns a textile business and is the registered owner of the car, according to reports.

Priyad, a colleague of the three victims, recounted seeing the collision. “I was startled by a loud sound from behind me and saw the speeding car. I moved my bike, and the car went forward and hit the bike carrying the three,” he said while speaking to the media.

Eyewitnesses said the driver got out of the car and argued aggressively with people who had gathered at the scene rather than showing remorse. He allegedly said, “My father will take care of everything.”

The Nedumbassery Airport police have registered a case under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Further investigation is under way.

The bodies were moved to government hospitals for post-mortem procedures. Gopika’s body was kept at Angamaly Taluk Hospital, while Ijaz and Devika’s bodies were taken to Aluva Taluk Hospital, according to reports.