Kerala: Hundreds Bid Farewell to 4 Schoolgirls Who Died in Accident

 Thiruvananthapuram: Hundreds of people bid a tearful farewell to the four schoolgirls who died in the tragic accident at Panayampadam in Palakkad district. The bodies of the schoolgirls were handed over to their families on Friday morning. After a public homage at an auditorium, the victims were laid to rest at Thuppanad Juma Masjid.

The deceased, Irfana Sherin, Ridha Fathima, Nidha Fathima, and A.S. Aysha, were all eighth-grade students of Karimba Government Higher Secondary School.

The accident has sparked a major debate about the rising number of road accident fatalities in Kerala, which is also among the top five states with the highest accident rates.

Until October this year, Kerala has recorded 40,821 road accidents, resulting in 3,168 deaths and 45,657 injuries

Last year, the state recorded over 48,019 accidents, resulting in 4,080 deaths and 54,320 injuries. The accident rate on state highways was marginally higher than that on national highways.

Experts have indicated that compromises in road planning and design significantly threaten road safety. A case of culpable homicide has been filed against lorry driver Prajeesh John from Vazhikkadavu, following an accident. He faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Concurrently, Power Minister K Krishnankutty chaired a high-level meeting to address the increasing accidents at Panayampadam stretch. Local representatives will consider the residents' complaints and devise an action plan to reduce the area's accident rate.

Kongad MLA K. Santhakumari stated that assistance from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) would be sought if any rectifications are needed in the design and layout.