A major multi-vehicle collision occurred at Kowdiar in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on May 16, 2024, resulting in one death and injuries to several individuals. The incident involved a school bus, a KSRTC bus, an ambulance, a tempo traveller, and multiple cars and two-wheelers.
The deceased has been identified as Sreekumari, a local resident. She was reportedly struck by a vehicle during the chaos following the initial collision. Several injured individuals were rushed to various hospitals including Government Medical College Hospital and KIMS Hospital. Authorities have confirmed that the condition of some of the injured is critical.
Preliminary investigations suggest the accident was triggered when a KSRTC bus attempted to overtake a vehicle, leading to a collision with the school bus. This initial impact then cascaded, involving the other vehicles. The exact sequence of events is still under investigation by the Museum Police.
Traffic along the busy Kowdiar-Nalanchira route was severely disrupted for several hours following the accident. Police diverted traffic through alternative routes to manage the congestion. Recovery operations, involving the removal of the damaged vehicles, were completed after considerable time.
The school bus involved belonged to Holy Angel’s School, and fortunately, no students were seriously injured, though some sustained minor abrasions and were understandably traumatized. Parents were immediately informed and rushed to the scene.
Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has stated they will fully cooperate with the police investigation. The incident has sparked discussions about road safety and the need for stricter traffic regulations in the area, particularly given the high volume of vehicles using the Kowdiar route. Further details are expected as the police investigation progresses.
