3 dead in crash as driver loses control trying to save wild boar

PALAKKAD: Three young men were killed and three others injured after the driver lost control of their car and crashed into a tree at Kallingal junction near Kodumba in Kerala's Palakkad late on Saturday night.

The accident took place when the driver swerved to avoid a wild animal, likely a wild boar, on the road, the survivors told police.

Police identified the deceased as Rohan Ranjith, 24, Rohan Santhosh, 22, and Sanooj, 19 - all residents of Palakkad. The injured - Rishi, 24, Jithin, 21, and Adithyan, 23 - were taken to hospital. Their injuries are non-fatal, police said.

The accident occurred around 11pm when the group was returning from Chittoor. Police said the driver swerved to avoid hitting a wild boar that suddenly crossed the road, causing the vehicle to skid off the road and crash into a tree in a nearby field. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the impact, police said.

A K Saseendran, minister for forests and wildlife protection, and K Krishnankutty, electricity minister, condoled the deaths and called the incident as "unfortunate". "If it is confirmed the accident was caused by boars, forest department will ensure compensation and necessary support," Saseendran said. tnn & agencies

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