In a tragic accident, two theater actresses lost their lives when a mini-bus carrying a drama troupe overturned at Malayampadi in Kelakam, Kannur. Police have initiated an investigation into the incident. According to the preliminary findings by Kelakam Police, the driver was using Google Maps early in the morning, leading to the accident. The bus ended up on a narrow road meant for small vehicles and eventually toppled into a rubber plantation.
The mini-bus, belonging to the Kayamkulam-based Deva Communications drama troupe, was traveling from Kannur to Sultan Bathery. The accident occurred near a sharp curve on the Elapeedika Road in Malayampadi, Kelakam. Two prominent theater artists lost their lives in the mishap.
Fourteen people sustained injuries. The deceased are Anjali, a native of Muthukulam, Kayamkulam, and Jecy Mohan, a native of Thevalakkara, Karunagappally. Three of the injured were taken to Chungakunnu Camillus Hospital, while nine others were shifted to hospitals in Kannur.
A total of 14 people were on board the vehicle. The group was heading to Sultan Bathery in Wayanad via the Nedumpoil-Mananthavady route. Upon finding the Periya Ghat section blocked, they opted to take an alternative route through Kottyoor Boys Town Road to Kelakam. The accident occurred after descending a steep stretch of about one kilometer and negotiating a curve at Malayampadi.
The deceased were seated in the front of the vehicle, which plunged into a slope and came to rest against a small tree. A house belonging to a local resident, Varkey, was located just below the crash site. Efforts are underway to remove the vehicle.
