Kannur Tragedy: School Bus Overturns, Claims Life of 10-Year-Old Girl

A heartbreaking accident in Kannur’s Valakkai area claimed the life of a 10-year-old girl and injured 19 other students, aged between 4 and 11 years, on Wednesday afternoon. The school bus, belonging to Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Kurumathur, overturned while transporting children home around 4:15 PM.

The victim, identified as Nedhya S Rajesh, a Class V student and the daughter of Rajesh from Chorukkala, was sitting in the front seat when the accident occurred. According to eyewitnesses, she was thrown out of the vehicle and trapped underneath as it overturned. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, she was declared brought dead. Her body has been moved to Pariyaram Government Medical College Hospital’s mortuary.

One other student, who sustained critical head injuries, remains in serious condition and is receiving treatment at Pariyaram MCH. The remaining 18 injured students were treated at the Thaliparamba Government Hospital and are reportedly in stable condition. The bus driver and the school attendant also sustained minor injuries and received medical care.

The accident occurred on the Kirath-Valakkai route near the Valakkai Bridge, a road known for its sharp slopes and bends. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while giving way to another vehicle just before entering the Taliparamba-Iritty state highway. The bus then toppled multiple times.

Sreekandapuram police have registered a case and launched an investigation to uncover the exact cause of the accident. Initial suspicions point to speeding or possible brake failure as contributing factors.