The death toll in the multi-vehicle pile-up at Kowdiar Junction on May 8 rose to two after a 26-year-old man, who was undergoing treatment for critical injuries sustained in the accident, succumbed to his injuries on Saturday morning. His wife, Noushiya, 24, had died on the spot in the accident.
Details of the Deceased
Deceased Ashiq, a native of Kuttipeedika in Koduvayur in Palakkad district, suffered multiple fractures and severe injuries in the accident. He was initially admitted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital before being shifted to a private hospital for advanced treatment. Despite undergoing surgery on Thursday, his condition deteriorated and he died on Saturday morning.
Investigation Underway
Police sources said the exact cause of death would become clear only after detailed statements are obtained from the doctors and the postmortem report. Following inquest procedures, the body was shifted to the mortuary of medical college hospital. The body will be handed over to the relatives after postmortem examination.
How the Accident Occurred
The accident occurred around 10.30am on May 8 when a car travelling from Kuravankonam side allegedly went out of control near Kowdiar Junction, crashing into multiple vehicles before veering onto the roadside and hitting pedestrians. According to police, the vehicle driven by Mohan Thomas, 77, reportedly went out of control after he experienced a sudden drop in blood pressure. A case has been registered under the provision of unnatural death and further investigation is under way.
Victims' Background
Ashiq and Noushiya, who were married only a month earlier, arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on the morning of the accident for a short visit and planned to spend two days with Ashna Sherin, Ashiq's cousin, who has been attending civil service coaching classes in the city. Ashiq worked in the human resources department of a private company in the UAE. Noushiya, a native of Chittur in Palakkad, was preparing for PSC examinations.
Other Injured
Sherin, who was also injured in the accident, is still undergoing treatment at a hospital and her condition is stated to be stable. The other injured were Asma of Thiruvananthapuram, migrant worker Ali Akbar, Kayamkulam native Nidheesh and Sunil Kumar.
