A tourist vehicle carrying a group of Mandya University students and other travellers reportedly overturned near Sultan Bathery in Kerala’s Wayanad district around 1.30 am, leaving two people dead and several others injured, according to a report by Prajavani citing police. The casualty count requires confirmation because the report’s opening paragraph refers to one death, while its summary and later details identify two deceased people.
The crash occurred near the 54th Mile area of Sultan Bathery as a group of 15 people was returning from a trip to different parts of Kerala, the report said. Police attributed the accident to the driver losing control of the vehicle. The tourist vehicle was severely damaged in the crash, making it difficult for rescuers to remove all the occupants immediately.
Local residents began rescue efforts soon after the incident, according to the report. Fire and emergency personnel later reached the site and cut through parts of the damaged vehicle to free the remaining passengers. Those rescued were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Prajavani identified the deceased as Ranjith and Bharat. The report said Ranjith was driving the vehicle. It did not establish whether Bharat was a student or staff member of Mandya University. Three of the rescued people were reported to be in critical condition, while several others sustained injuries.
The incident highlights the risks faced by student groups and other passengers travelling in tourist vehicles on inter-district routes at night. The supplied report does not provide details about the vehicle’s operator, permit status, seating capacity, driver’s licensing or working hours, road conditions, speed, or whether any mechanical failure was involved. These facts remain relevant to determining the causes of the crash but have not been established in the material provided.
The report said police were investigating the accident. Confirmation from the investigating police authority and the hospital or district administration is required to establish the final death toll, the identities and affiliations of all passengers, the number of injured people and their medical condition.
