71-year-old man killed in accident

T'puram: A 71-year-old man was killed after a speeding delivery van rammed his motorcycle while overtaking another vehicle at Thachancode near Aryanad on Wednesday afternoon.The deceased was identified as Lopez, of Maruthamkuzhi, Thachancode. He died on the spot in the accident, which occurred in front of Thachancode forest department office.According to police and locals, Lopez was returning home with essential items when the delivery van, allegedly travelling at high speed, attempted to overtake another vehicle and crashed into his bike.The impact was so severe that the motorcycle got lodged beneath the van and was dragged for nearly 10m before the vehicle came to a halt. The motorcycle was completely destroyed in the accident.Hearing the loud noise, locals rushed to the spot and carried out rescue operations. However, Lopez sustained critical injuries and was declared dead at the scene. Police later took the driver of the delivery van into custody and began an investigation into the incident. The body was shifted to Nedumangad district hospital for autopsy.Lopez is survived by his wife Sharif Beevi and children Dinesh and Deepa.