Alappuzha , 22 Dec (H.S.):Two young men were killed and another was seriously injured after two motorcycles collided head-on during early morning hours of Monday near Velavanad.

The deceased have been identified as Nikhil (19) of Mannancherry and Rakesh (25) of Cherthala. The incident occurred around 12.30 am on the service road parallel to the national highway, when the motorcycles, travelling in opposite directions, crashed near the AC Canal.

Rakesh’s friend, Vipin, who was riding pillion, sustained critical injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at Kottayam Medical College Hospital. One of the victims died on the spot, while the other succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Police have registered a case and begun an investigation into the cause of the accident, with overspeeding suspected.

Road accidents continue to remain a major concern across Kerala, with motorcycle collisions showing an alarming rise. According to recent reports, late-night accidents have become more frequent, particularly on highways and service roads where monitoring is limited. Poor lighting, reckless overtaking, and lack of protective gear are recurring factors in many such incidents.

Young riders are often among the most affected, with speeding and failure to follow traffic regulations cited as key reasons. Authorities have repeatedly urged motorists to exercise caution, especially during night hours, and emphasised the importance of wearing helmets and observing speed limits.

In recent weeks, Kerala has witnessed a series of fatal road mishaps, underscoring the urgency of better enforcement and public awareness. A collision involving a private bus and a two-wheeler in Ernakulam claimed two lives last week, while a major accident on the Kozhikode–Kannur stretch resulted in multiple injuries after a car reportedly lost control. Similarly, a young techie in Thiruvananthapuram died when his bike skidded on a rain-soaked road just days ago.

Traffic experts point out that increased vehicle density, infrastructure challenges, and negligence contribute to the state’s accident rate, which remains among the highest in the country. The tragic incident in Velavanad once again highlights the pressing need for sustained road safety campaigns, stricter enforcement, and improved infrastructure to prevent such avoidable deaths across Kerala.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman