Eight die in highway collision as car hits stationary lorry in Kerala

A devastating road accident claimed eight lives in Thrissur district early Thursday when a car crashed into a stationary lorry on National Highway 66 near Panampikkunnu, close to Kaipamangalam. Seven passengers of the car died at the spot following the high-impact collision, while an eighth victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but could not be saved.

The accident occurred during late-night hours on one of Kerala's busiest arterial routes. The exact sequence of events leading to the crash is under investigation, with authorities examining factors such as visibility, road conditions, and vehicle speed at the time of impact.

Police and emergency response teams arrived at the scene to find the car severely damaged from the force of the collision. The lorry, which was parked on the roadside, sustained significant damage as well. Rescue operations were conducted to extract the trapped occupants from the mangled wreckage.

The incident has renewed concerns about highway safety on NH 66, a crucial corridor connecting multiple states in South and Southeast India. Authorities have indicated they will examine whether adequate warning systems were in place around the accident site and whether any mechanical or human factors contributed to the collision.

The bodies have been recovered and sent for post-mortem examination. A detailed investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.