Following the death of five MBBS students in a road accident near Alappuzha in Kerala, the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) has found that the overcrowded car could be the main reason that led to the tragedy. A total of 11 passengers were present in the Tavera car when it met with an accident at around 9 pm on Monday, December 2. The car skid and hit the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (Kerala SRTC) bus traveling from Guruvayur to Kayamkulam.
“The car had a capacity of only seven passengers, but at the time of the accident, it was carrying 11 adults. When four more adults were added, the mass increased, which could have affected the steering and braking capacities of the vehicle,”Alappuzha RTO Dilu AK told TNM.
He also added that factors such as the age of the vehicle in which the students had travelled, lack of experience of the driver, and poor weather conditions may have been the other factors that contributed to the accident. A team led by Dilu had visited the site for the preliminary investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
“Wet roads can lead to a phenomenon known as hydroplaning, where a vehicle's tires lose traction, making it difficult or impossible for the driver to maintain control. Additionally, the driver is only 18 years old and obtained his license just five months ago. This lack of experience and the fact that he likely drove this vehicle for the first time could be the reason for him suddenly applying break,” he added.
In addition, he pointed out that the car did not have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), an important safety feature in modern vehicles that prevents the wheels from locking during braking which helps drivers maintain control.
Dilu also clarified that the vehicle was not overspeeding. “According to our calculations, the vehicle was not overspeeding. Its speed was likely less than 60 km per hour. Since the vehicle is 14 years-old, it may have the capacity to handle higher speeds under certain road conditions.
However, he highlighted that the vehicle was not properly maintained, and its service was not performed by an authorised agency. “I have submitted the report to the Transport Commissioner. Further actions would be taken as per the instructions from the higher authority,” he adds.
The first-year students were pursuing an MBBS degree at TD Medical College in Vandanam. According to reports, they were returning to the hostel after watching a movie. The deceased students have been identified as, Sreedev Valsan (19) from Palakkad, Devananthan (19) from Malappuram, Ayush Shaji (19) from Kottayam, PP Mohammed Ibrahim (19) from Lakshadweep and Mohammed Abdul Jabbar (19) from Kannur.
After the postmortem procedure, the mortal remains will be placed at the medical college for public homage before being handed over to their relatives. The funeral for PP Mohammed Ibrahim will take place in Ernakulam, as his parents are travelling from Lakshadweep to Kerala. According to reports, six students are in the hospital, out of which four are critical.