Tragic Accident in Tirunelveli Claims Life of Teenage Student
In a devastating incident that has shocked the local community, a 15-year-old schoolgirl named Selvabala lost her life three days after being critically injured in a horrific road accident. The Class X student succumbed to her severe injuries at the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital on Monday night, marking a somber end to a tragic sequence of events that unfolded on a routine school morning.
Details of the Fatal Collision
According to police reports, the accident occurred on Friday morning, February 20, when Selvabala and two other children were traveling to school in an autorickshaw. Simultaneously, Isakkiyappan, a 30-year-old driver employed at a private engineering college in Thatchanallur, was beginning his morning shift. He was operating the college bus along the Tirunelveli-Kadayam road, with no passengers on board at the time.
Authorities stated that the bus, which was speeding excessively, violently collided with the oncoming autorickshaw at Suthamalli. The impact was so forceful that the auto's front windscreen shattered completely, ejecting the driver and all three students onto the road with critical, life-threatening injuries.
Immediate Aftermath and Rescue Efforts
Bystanders and local residents who witnessed the crash immediately rushed to the scene to provide assistance. They managed to rescue the injured victims and promptly transported them to the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital for emergency medical treatment. The swift response from the community likely played a crucial role in stabilizing the other victims, though tragically, it was not enough to save Selvabala.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Suthamalli police officers who arrived at the accident site conducted a preliminary investigation and made a shocking discovery. The bus driver, Isakkiyappan, was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. Consequently, he was arrested on the spot, and a formal case has been registered against him under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Police have emphasized that the combination of speeding and intoxication created a lethal scenario, directly leading to the fatal crash. Selvabala ultimately succumbed to a severe head injury sustained during the accident, despite receiving intensive medical care over the three-day period.
Current Condition of Other Victims
The remaining two schoolchildren and the autorickshaw driver are currently receiving ongoing treatment at the hospital. Medical officials have reported that their conditions are now stable, though they continue to be monitored closely for any complications. The community remains hopeful for their full recovery, even as they mourn the loss of young Selvabala.
Broader Implications and Community Response
This tragic incident has reignited concerns about road safety, particularly regarding drunk driving and speeding in residential and school zones. Local authorities are expected to review traffic enforcement measures in the area to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The arrest and legal proceedings against the driver serve as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of negligent driving behavior.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring justice is served. The loss of Selvabala, a promising student with her whole life ahead, has left a profound impact on her school, family, and the wider Tirunelveli community, highlighting the urgent need for stricter adherence to traffic laws and safety protocols.
