KADAKKAL: An auto-rickshaw driver and his friend died after his auto-rickshaw collided with a tipper lorry at Kanjirathummoodu on Saturday. The deceased have been identified as auto driver Sunil (48) and Arun (33). Tipper lorry driver Shyamraj, who got injured, was admitted to the hospital.

The accident took place at around 12.15 pm on the Nilamel-Madathara road. According to witnesses, the auto-rickshaw which was travelling from Kadakkal to Chithara collided with the lorry which came from the opposite direction. The autorickshaw was completely destroyed while the front portion of the tipper was partially destroyed. Sunil and Arun were rushed to Kadakkal Taluk Hospital with serious injuries but could not be rescued.

Sunil is survived by his wife Bindu and son Midhun. Arun is survived by his wife Haritha and son Ambady. The bodies were shifted to Paripally Medical College Hospital.