Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Kerala CM Seeks NH Safety Audit After Thrissur Crash
Eight young people from Tamil Nadu died in a late-night road crash in Thrissur.
Their car hit the back of a goods lorry parked near a highway construction diversion.
The crash happened on National Highway 66.
The road was being widened, and the car was badly damaged.
Rescue workers had to cut open the car to reach the people inside.
Police are investigating how the lorry was parked and what else may have caused the crash.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said highway safety problems need urgent attention.
He plans to discuss the matter with the National Highways Authority of India.
Local residents say better lights, signs, barriers and traffic control could make construction areas safer.
Eight youths from Tamil Nadu, reportedly engineering students, died when their car hit a parked goods lorry on NH-66 in Thrissur.
The crash occurred around 11:40 p.m. Friday at Panambikkunnu in Kaipamangalam, where highway construction was underway.
Rescuers cut open the mangled car, and the victims’ bodies were taken to Thrissur Government Medical College.
V.D. Satheesan said he would urgently raise highway safety concerns with the National Highways Authority of India.
Residents cited inadequate lighting, warning signs, barricades and traffic management, as well as heavy vehicles parked along construction stretches.
- Who
- Eight youths from Tamil Nadu, reportedly engineering students, were killed; Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan called for action.
- What
- A car crashed into the rear of a goods lorry parked near a construction diversion, prompting a call for a National Highway safety audit.
- When
- The crash occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Friday; Satheesan raised the issue on Saturday.
- Where
- Panambikkunnu in Kaipamangalam, Thrissur district, on National Highway 66 in Kerala.
- Why
- The collision occurred on a highway construction stretch, amid concerns about parked heavy vehicles, lighting, warning signs, barricades and traffic management.
- Deaths
- Eight youths were killed.
- Road
- National Highway 66, also referred to as NH-66.
- Location
- Panambikkunnu, Kaipamangalam, Thrissur district.
- Time
- Around 11:40 p.m. on Friday.
- Vehicles
- A Tamil Nadu-registered car and a goods lorry.
- Government response
- V.D. Satheesan said he would urgently take up the issue with the National Highways Authority of India.
- Investigation
- Police are examining how the lorry was parked and other possible contributing factors.