Newlywed woman killed, six injured in Kowdiar accident

T'puram: A 24-year-old newlywed woman was killed, and six others were injured in a multi-vehicle pile-up at Kowdiar Junction on Friday morning, triggering fresh concerns over pedestrian safety, roadside parking and the lack of protective barriers along busy city roads.The deceased was identified as Noushiya, a native of Chittur in Palakkad. Her husband Ashiq and cousin Ashna Sherin sustained serious injuries in the crash.The accident occurred around 10.30am when a car travelling from the Kuravankonam side allegedly went out of control near Kowdiar Junction, crashing into multiple vehicles before veering onto the roadside and hitting pedestrians.According to police, the driver, Mohan Thomas (77), reportedly lost control of the vehicle after experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure. Police have registered a case against him. "The vehicle hit several vehicles and pedestrians. A case has been registered and further investigation is under way," said police.Police added that the injured were soon rushed to nearby hospitals. Noushiya later succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment.Ashiq, who suffered fractures and multiple injuries, was initially admitted to govt medical college hospital and later shifted to a private hospital for advanced treatment. Sherin continues to undergo treatment at MCH and her condition is stated to be stable.The other injured were identified as Asma of Thiruvananthapuram, migrant worker Ali Akbar, Kayamkulam native Nidheesh and Sunil Kumar.According to relatives, Ashiq and Noushiya had arrived in Thiruvananthapuram by bus early Friday for a short weekend visit. The couple had planned to spend two days with Sherin, who has been attending civil service coaching classes in the city for the past year. The couple got married only a month ago.Ashiq, a native of Koduvayur, works in the human resources department of a private company in UAE and came home on leave for the wedding. Noushiya was preparing for state PSC examinations.The incident has also brought renewed focus on safety concerns along the busy Kowdiar–Kuravankonam stretch, where traffic congestion and roadside parking have long been flagged by police. Officials also pointed to unregulated roadside parking as a major issue in the area. According to officials, several commercial establishments and bakeries along the stretch lack adequate parking facilities, forcing commuters to park vehicles along the roadside, thereby narrowing the carriageway and affecting visibility for motorists.Police recalled a similar incident near general hospital last year in which five persons, including two pedestrians, were injured after a speeding car lost control and veered onto a footpath.ACP (Traffic) R Suresh said several footpaths in the city either lacked protective safety grills or had poorly maintained barriers. "We had earlier informed the authorities concerned about the need to install and repair safety grills along busy stretches after similar incidents, but no action has been taken so far," he said.Police also said that Noushiya's family would be eligible for compensation of Rs 2 lakh under existing accident relief provisions. Her body was shifted to the mortuary for postmortem examination.