Kollam, 26 Jan (H.S.):Two young men lost their lives and two others sustained serious injuries after two motorcycles collided head-on on the National Highway at Kottarakkara in Kollam district late on Sunday night. The tragic accident occurred at late night on Sunday near the Thamarassery junction at Neduvathoor, an area with sparse traffic and limited residential presence.

The deceased have been identified as Abhishek (27), a native of Ezhukone, and Siddhivinayak (19) from Mayilam. Abhishek died on the spot after the motorcycle he was riding caught fire following the collision, leaving him with severe burn injuries all over his body. Siddhivinayak, who was critically injured in the crash, was rushed to a nearby private hospital but succumbed to his injuries despite emergency medical efforts.

Two others — Jeevan and Sanoop, both natives of Neeleswaram — sustained serious injuries in the accident and are currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Doctors have described their condition as critical, and they remain under close medical observation.

According to preliminary investigations by the police, the accident occurred when the two motorcycles, travelling in opposite directions, collided head-on with great force. The impact caused the bikes to topple and rupture their fuel tanks. Officials said that a fuel leak immediately after the collision led to a sudden fire, engulfing one of the vehicles within moments.

The blaze spread rapidly, leaving little time for bystanders to intervene. As the accident took place in a relatively isolated stretch of the highway, immediate assistance was delayed. Local residents alerted emergency services, following which fire and rescue personnel rushed to the spot. Firefighters managed to douse the flames and secure the area.

After the fire was brought under control, Abhishek’s charred body was recovered from the scene and later shifted to a hospital for further procedures. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident, including the speed of the vehicles and possible violations of traffic rules.

The incident has once again raised concerns over late-night speeding and road safety on national highways, particularly in poorly lit and less-populated stretches. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution while travelling at night and strictly adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such devastating accidents.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman