'Father's advice saved Joel Shaji's life'; More details from Kalarcode accident

ALAPPUZHA: The latest MBBS batch of Alappuzha Medical College started on October 14 with 175 students. The orientation classes were completed and the lecture classes started on November 8. The fledgling dreams of many students thus started taking shape.

However, tragedy struck within a month and a half. Five students got killed after the car they travelled rammed into a KSRTC bus in Kalarcode on Monday night. All five victims had a great rapport with classmates and seniors at Vandanam Medical College. They excelled in academics and had also proved their mettle in sports.

Apart from the hassles of studies, all five cherished a favourite pastime — watching movies. On normal days, they would depend on the KSRTC bus for the journey but a change happened on Monday night. The table test of anatomy ended on Monday. A group of 13 decided to go to the theatre in Alappuzha city for the 9.30 pm show of the new movie 'Sukshmadarshini' to get rid of the stress of the exam.

A total of 11 people boarded the car for the journey while two followed by bike. Joel Shaji, a native of Ambalapuzha was supposed to be in the car but had to back out after his father denied him permission minding the bad weather. The deceased Muhammad Abdul Jabbar, Ambalapuzha native Joel Shaji and Kozhikode native SV Anirudh have been in the same room for one and a half months.

Despite having his house nearby, Joel found comfort in the college hostel as it helped him in his studies. The two friends will now have to continue with their studies in the same room, once shared by their dear friend. It would be a struggle for the classmates to come out of the trauma induced by the tragic death of the five students.

Ashvit, who was following the car on a two-wheeler, is battered with haunting images of the accident every time he closes his eyes for sleep. Shane, who escaped unharmed from the car is trying to cope with the reality. Doctors and friends are trying their best to bring Shane back to normal. The youngster is going through a rough patch, finding it difficult to talk or cry over the loss of his friends.

Gauri Shankar, who was driving the vehicle, is under severe stress after learning of the death of his classmates. According to Gauri, he sensed an obstacle and diverted the car which slipped out of control.

A large crowd gathered on Tuesday at Kalarcode to watch the wrecked remains of the Tavera car.