Multi-Vehicle Collision on National Highway 183

KOTTAYAM — A harrowing morning commute on National Highway 183 in Kerala's Kottayam district turned into a scene of devastation on Sunday when a high-speed vehicle ploughed into a line of traffic. Authorities have since charged the driver with attempted murder after he confessed to investigators that the crash was a deliberate attempt to take his own life.

According to local law enforcement, the incident unfolded at approximately 8:15 am near Kanjirappally. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Sharonin Philip of Kuttikkal Puthoor, was behind the wheel of a car travelling at an exceptionally high velocity before the collision occurred. CCTV footage retrieved from the area captured the vehicle barrelling down the thoroughfare moments before the catastrophic impact.

Devastating Impact and Injuries

The out-of-control vehicle wreaked havoc, damaging a total of seven vehicles—including five cars, an autorickshaw, and a parked scooter. The sheer force of the collision flipped an autorickshaw carrying a family of four from Madukka, who were en route to Kanjirappally.

Among the ten individuals injured in the pileup was a four-year-old girl, Aavani, who sustained serious injuries. Her father, Shyamjith (35), mother Shalini (30), and nine-year-old brother Advait were also hospitalized. Shyamjith recounted the terrifying ordeal, stating that the family had no warning before being struck violently from behind.

Other victims identified by authorities include Ansari (65), Sahil (31), PV Rajan (65), Revand (12), Shrevand (11), and Raju (71). While three of the injured were discharged following initial medical treatment at local facilities, several others remain under observation.

Rescue and Legal Proceedings

Philip became trapped inside the mangled wreckage of his own vehicle following the collision. Quick-thinking local residents joined forces with emergency fire personnel to extricate him from the cabin.

Philip sustained injuries during the crash and is currently receiving medical treatment under police guard at the Kottayam Medical College Hospital. Investigators confirmed that once he is medically cleared, he will face formal prosecution under stringent legal provisions, including charges of attempted murder.

The accident caused significant gridlock, disrupting national highway traffic for nearly an hour before emergency responders cleared the wreckage and restored normal flow.

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