Pathanamthitta, 24 May (H.S.): A 60-year-old woman was killed after a Taurus truck carrying crushed stones lost control and overturned onto her house at Parakkode in Pathanamthitta district in the early hours of Sunday, triggering a rescue operation involving firefighters and local residents.

The deceased was identified as Mariyam Beevi, who had been living alone in a modest two-room house near Parakkode School Junction along the Kayamkulam–Punalur Road. According to officials, the tragic accident occurred at around 3 am when the truck, loaded with crushed stones and travelling towards Kayamkulam, veered off the road and overturned near the roadside residence.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel from the Adoor station said the impact of the accident was severe as the vehicle was carrying a full load of crushed stones. When the truck overturned, the stones spilled out and crashed against the cement wall of the house, causing it to collapse.

Mariyam Beevi was asleep inside the house at the time of the accident. The collapsed wall and debris buried her beneath the rubble, leaving her trapped inside.

A passerby who noticed the accident immediately alerted emergency services. Firefighters reached the scene by around 3.15 am, while local residents had already gathered and joined the rescue efforts.

Rescue personnel said they found the woman lying on her cot beneath the debris and managed to pull her out after clearing the collapsed structure. Officials described the house as a small two-room building with unpainted cement walls and an asbestos-sheet roof. A small shop was also attached to the house.

Mariyam Beevi was rushed to the Government Taluk Hospital in Adoor, but doctors declared her brought dead.

Officials said her two daughters, who are married and currently residing in Kottarakkara and Punalur, were informed and later reached the hospital.

The truck driver, identified through the vehicle registration number KL 80 B 0831, also sustained a fracture to his hand in the accident.

Mariyam Beevi’s body has been shifted to Mount Zion Medical College Hospital. Police said a case will be registered after recording witness statements, following which the body will be sent for post-mortem examination.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman