Kaipamangalam tragedy and the aftermath

The accident on National Highway 66 at Kaipamangalam in Thrissur, which claimed the lives of eight engineering students from Tamil Nadu, is shocking for the severity and the negligence of the authorities. Since the commencement of the National Highway construction, many lives have been lost. Most of the accidents are caused by the lack of installation of traffic lights and signboards and illegal parking of lorries and other vehicles on the roadside. The number of vehicles on the road is increasing with each passing year. According to the latest Economic Review Report, in 1990, there were 6,48,000 motor vehicles in Kerala. In 2024-25, it has increased to 1,81,97,585. An increase of almost 28 times.

The increase in vehicles on the road is arguably one of the main reasons behind the rise in accidents involving two-wheelers on the national highway. Another is the delay in completing road construction works that continue to move at a snail's pace. The accident in Kaipamangalam was caused by a lorry parked on the wrong side of the road. The car, which was speeding towards Kodungallur, crashed into the back of the lorry, and eight lives were lost in the blink of an eye.

Regular travellers are aware of the changes in routes and the dangers lurking on corners, but what about people coming from other states? Although a direction sign was installed at Kaipamangalam, the lorries were parked in a way obstructing it. With this, the car that was speeding continued on the same path instead of taking a left and crashed into the rear of the lorry. Since there were no street lights installed here, the lorry was spotted only at close range. Therefore, blaming the excessive speed of the car alone for this accident is a mere attempt to shift blame. The negligence and carelessness on the part of those responsible led to the accident. The accident at Kaipamangalam is also a direct reflection of the serious shortcomings and violations of the law in our national highway construction and traffic management.

Safety precautions have not been taken in the areas where construction work on National Highway 66 is underway. The Kerala Traffic Police Department should also take up the responsibility of finding out and resolving the issues. Vehicles should not be allowed to park alongside the National Highway in a way that obstructs traffic under any circumstances. Investigation committees and safety inspections continue to feign responsibility, but they are not helping. Similarly, vehicle owners should also be careful to avoid long, restless journeys at night.