The Nedumangad police have arrested the driver of the tourist bus that was involved in an accident at Irinjayam on Friday night.
The Nedumangad Deputy Superintendent of Police said the driver Arul Das had been arrested, while they were questioning the cleaner of the bus who had taken treatment at Mamal hospital at Kattakada after the bus overturned at Irinjayam.
The police said Arul Das denied that he consumed alcohol. Some of those injured in the accident also claimed he did not drink. However, his blood sample has been submitted in court to be sent to the forensic science lab for testing.
Inquest proceedings were completed in the afternoon and the body of 61-year-old Dasini who was killed in the accident was handed over to the family. The cremation was scheduled to be held on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, the Nedumangad Joint RTO has suspended the licence of the bus driver and cancelled the vehicle fitness certificate. Steps have already been initiated to repeal the permit and vehicle registration.
Negligence led to accident
Driver’s negligence resulted in the accident. The Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) authorities said the driver claimed the braking system had failed. However, it was found to be working fine.
The accident had occurred at a very sharp curve on the road. The MVD inspection found that the bus was travelling at a speed of 41 kmph when the speed while negotiating the curve should have been 20 kmph.
The bus also had a high-power audio visual system, which has been ruled illegal by the MVD. This could have created distractions, especially as it had been less than an hour since the bus had started on its journey.
The Nedumangad police said they expect to get a report from the MVD in a couple of days.
Condition of those wounded
Meanwhile, of the 29 people who had sought medical attention at Government Medical College Hospital, all but two have been discharged. The two who remain are admitted to the ward and their condition is stable.
Of the nine children who were given medical attention at SAT Hospital, only three remain. Of them, two children who were in the ICU have been shifted to the ward.
Meanwhile, a protest was held at Irinjayam by the Congress in protest against the condition of the road.
Irinjayam ward member Irinchayam Sanal denied the allegation. The second phase of road work from Pazhakutty to Vembayam was on. However, there was nothing unscientific about the road at Irinjayam. In fact, it had been widened. He also denied reports that accidents were a regular affair at Irinjayam.
Published - January 18, 2025 08:32 pm IST
