THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Three people, including a 15-year-old boy, were killed and several others injured after a sand-laden tipper lorry crashed into a bus stop at Neelachantha, Neeleswaram, near Kottarakkara in Kollam district on Tuesday morning.The accident occurred around 7.10 am during the busy morning hours when several people were waiting at the roadside bus shelter. Preliminary reports suggest that the lorry lost control before ploughing into the bus stop.The deceased have been identified as Ajayakumar (50), Harilal (54) and a 15-year-old boy, Parthiv. Their bodies have been shifted to Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital for post-mortem examinations. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the locality, with residents gathering in large numbers at the accident site and the hospital.Among those injured is Nizam (40), the driver of the tipper lorry, who sustained injuries in the crash. He, along with the other injured victims, is undergoing treatment at Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital. Hospital authorities said the condition of the injured is being closely monitored, while police are collecting details from witnesses.Eyewitnesses said the speeding lorry suddenly veered off the road before crashing into the bus stop, leaving people with little time to escape. The force of the impact destroyed the bus shelter and threw several victims onto the road. Local residents rushed to the scene immediately and began rescuing those trapped beneath the debris even before emergency services arrived.Personnel from the Fire and Rescue Services, police and local volunteers carried out rescue operations using heavy equipment to clear the wreckage. Ambulances transported the injured to Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital, while traffic in the area was temporarily disrupted as rescue efforts continued.Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. Officials are examining whether overspeeding, mechanical failure or driver negligence led to the crash.
