Grief engulfs Mavelikara after four residents die in Idukki road accident

A pall of gloom descended on Mavelikara as four of its residents lost their lives and around 30 others sustained injuries in a road accident at Pullupara in Idukki on Monday.

A pall of gloom descended on Mavelikara as four of its residents lost their lives and around 30 others sustained injuries in a road accident at Pullupara in Idukki on Monday.

Of the deceased, Arun Hari, Sangeeth and Bindu hailed from Mavelikara municipality, while the fourth victim Rama Mohan was a native of Mavelikara Thekkekara grama panchayat. The group, which started the journey in the early hours of Sunday, visited Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur and other places before meeting with the accident on their return journey.

Close relatives and friends of the victims were in disbelief that what began as a trip to religious places ended in disaster. “Arun was unmarried and loved travelling. A government job aspirant, he often participated in trips organised under KSRTC’s budget tourism initiative. He was my classmate and neighbour and we are all shocked by his untimely demise,” said Meghanath, ward member representing Mattom North in Mavelikara municipality.

Arun’s mother accompanied him on the trip and was admitted to a hospital with injuries. Mr. Meghanath said that Arun’s funeral would be held later.

Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded at Sangeeth’s house at Panachamoodu when his body was brought home in the evening after the postmortem examination at Government Medical College Hospital, Kottayam. Sangeeth, who owned a mobile repair and sales shop, is survived by his wife and two children. His funeral will be held on Tuesday.

The funerals of Bindu and Rama will be held later.

According to KSRTC officials, Mavelikara is one of the top-performing depots under the budget tourism scheme in the district. Officials said the bus underwent a brake and mechanism inspection before the journey and that two experienced drivers were assigned to the trip.