{
  "id": 5958298,
  "title": "11 killed in two nights in Kerala as Thrissur highway safety comes under scrutiny",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/11-killed-in-two-nights-in-kerala-as-thrissur-highway-safety-comes",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-06T09:43:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/11-killed-in-two-nights-in-kerala-as-thrissur-highway-safety-comes-under-scrutiny-1.500664869"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a tragic incident in Kerala's Thrissur district, eleven people lost their lives in two separate accidents that occurred in rapid succession, casting a spotlight on road safety concerns. The latest fatalities struck around midnight on Saturday when a speeding car crashed into a motorcycle carrying Muneer, 35, his wife Shifna, 24, and their three-year-old son Emil Aibak, who was returning home from a wedding. The collision, which sent the family nearly 50 meters, resulted in the untimely deaths of Muneer and Shifna, while their son Emil succumbed to severe injuries later at the hospital. The driver of the speeding car fled the scene, prompting a search, and two other occupants of the vehicle were questioned.\n\nThe night before, another devastating accident claimed the lives of eight Tamil Nadu engineering students. Around 11:45 PM on Friday, their car collided with the rear of a stationary goods truck near Panambikkunnu Centre at Kaipamangalam. The victims were students of PSNA College in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, and Indian media reported that the crash has raised questions about safety measures along the construction zone of National Highway 66. Eyewitnesses claim the driver of the car involved appeared to be intoxicated, and residents allege there were no warning signs at the accident site before the tragedy. Local media reports suggest that the parked goods truck was negligently positioned, and a board was only installed after the accident, indicating a lack of proper safety arrangements.\n\nAmbulance driver Shahul and local residents have questioned the adequacy of safety measures on the under-construction highway, alleging that warning and directional signs were insufficient for motorists navigating the construction zone at night. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the contractor face scrutiny over whether sufficient precautions were taken to ensure safe passage through the construction area. District Congress Committee president Advocate Joseph Tajet and social activist Latheef Kootummal have also raised concerns, demanding compensation for the victims' families and alleging that repeated complaints about hazards associated with the highway works were not adequately addressed. A special investigation team has been appointed to probe the crash, and the district collector has sought an explanation from the national highway project director. Footage allegedly recorded by the students in their car just before the collision has emerged, intensifying scrutiny over the safety conditions on the under-construction National Highway 66.",
  "summary": "11 deaths in two nights put Thrissur roads under radar",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu",
        "title": "Family of three killed as car crashes into bike at Kunnamkulam in Keralam’s Thrissur",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/family-of-three-killed-as-car-crashes-into-bike-at-kunnamkulam-in",
        "published": "2026-09-06T10:42:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times",
        "title": "Toddler among 3 killed after car hits bike in Kerala, ‘drunk’ driver absconding",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/toddler-among-3-killed-after-car-hits-bike-in-kerala-drunk-driver",
        "published": "2026-09-06T10:53:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}