Three people died after a Mini Cooper allegedly travelling at high speed struck their scooter near Kochi airport in Kerala’s Ernakulam district early on Sunday, October 11. Police took the car’s 19-year-old driver, identified as Suhail Sajeev, into custody following the collision.
The victims were Devika from Wayanad, Gopika from Palakkad and Ijaz from Karnataka. All three were working in Thrikkakara and were reportedly returning after visiting a nearby tea shop. Local residents rushed the injured riders to a hospital, but they did not survive. Reports across news outlets corroborate the fatal collision near Nedumbassery, although some spell the male victim’s name as Iyas.
Police Examine Driver’s Reported Remark and Suspected Intoxication
After residents confronted him, Suhail reportedly said that his father would handle the situation. The remark remains attributed to accounts of the encounter and should not be treated as evidence that anyone influenced the investigation.
Police booked the driver for culpable homicide and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Investigators also collected blood and other samples to establish whether he had consumed alcohol or another intoxicating substance. Police said he allegedly acknowledged drinking beer before the crash. However, suspected intoxication had not been confirmed by the awaited test results at the time of the report.
Police Review Collision Footage and Examine Car
The supplied report describes footage showing the car approaching at speed before hitting the scooter, which was travelling along the left side of the road. Both vehicles sustained substantial damage.
Ernakulam Rural Superintendent of Police K. S. Sudarsan said a forensic examination of the car was under way, including checks for intoxicating substances. Police also said the vehicle was registered in the driver’s father’s name and that Suhail held a valid driving licence. Sudarsan indicated that patrolling and preventive measures near the airport would be strengthened to address speeding-related accidents.
Hospital Confrontation Prompts Police Intervention
In a separate incident, some friends of the victims allegedly confronted and attacked Suhail while he was being taken for a medical examination. Police personnel intervened, and one alleged assailant was taken into custody. The crash investigation remained ongoing, with blood test reports and findings from the vehicle’s forensic examination awaited.
