One killed, four critically injured in accident near Technopark

Thiruvananthapuram: A youth was killed and four others, including two women, were grievously injured after the SUV they were travelling in hit a pillar of Kazhakkoottam elevated highway after losing control near Technopark on Saturday night.Balaramapuram-native Shibin, 28, who drove the SUV, died on the spot. Locals had to break open the SUV's doors to take out Rajaneesh, 27, of Marayamuttom, Kiran, 29, of Pongumoodu, Akhila, 28, of CVR Puram and Sree Lakshmi, 23, of Kaimanam. Rajaneesh's has suffered a fracture to his thigh bone and the others have sustained injuries to the head and body.Police said the cause of accident was yet to be known and they were collecting CCTV visuals to verify the presence of a white car, as eyewitnesses claimed.The SUV was speeding when the accident took place and its front portion was completely damaged, police said. All five in the vehicle were staff members of a software developing firm at Balaramapuram."They were on their way to Kazhakkoottam from Chackai when the accident took place. Eyewitnesses said a white car tried to overtake them from the left side at a high speed. Shibin swerved the SUV to the right abruptly, losing control and hitting the pillar of the bridge. Some eyewitnesses said that the car and SUV were racing with each other, but it is yet to be verified," said police. "The statements of eyewitnesses will be taken. Since the injured are undergoing treatment at medical college hospital, their statements will be taken later to verify the accident cause," police added.Kazhakkoottam police registered a case under Section 306 (1) (c) (MA) of police standing order and began a probe.