KOCHI: As per tests at Kakkanad Chemical Lab, Jomon, the driver of the tourist bus involved in the Vadakkanchery accident, did not have alcohol presence in his blood. It is alleged that Jomon's blood was sent for testing several hours after the accident.

The accident occurred around 12.30 midnight on October 6 near the Kollathara bus stop in Anjumoorthymangalam in Palakkad's Vadakkanchery. The tourist bus named 'Luminous' hit a KSRTC bus in the back, causing a major tragedy. Children of Mar Baselios Vidyanikethan School were going for a picnic in the tourist bus.

Nine people died including students and a teacher. Jomon, who sustained minor injuries in the accident, went into hiding after seeking treatment at EK Nayanar Hospital in Vadakanchery. He was caught by the police at 3:30 pm on October 6.