14 lives lost in a year in Konni Reach; expert investigation necessary

KONNI: 14 lives have been lost in accidents in the last one year alone between Kumbaza and Kalanjoor in the Konni reach on the Punalur-Muvattupuzha state highway. Many are seriously injured and undergoing treatment. The main reason for the accidents is the non-installation of traffic signals at major junctions even after a year of completion of road development. Vehicles entering from side roads also face accidents.

Vehicular collisions are common at night at Konni Central Junction, where there is no traffic signal. There are also incidents of overspeeding vehicles skidding. Two months ago, two Tamil Nadu natives were killed when a car which was returning from Nedumbassery airport crashed into a wall at Murinjakal. Only a maximum speed of 70 kmph is allowed. Two-wheelers travel faster than this. As it is the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, many pilgrim vehicles from states like Tamilnadu, Andhra, Karnataka, and Telangana pass through here.
Locals are demanding that the Motor Vehicle Department conduct an expert investigation and take measures to prevent accidents. Signal lights, speed regulatorS, divider systemS, announcement as accident zone and warning boards in different languages ​​are required at major centers to avoid accidents.