Three young people from Kerala’s Palakkad and Ernakulam areas were killed when a speeding car rammed their scooter near Athani signal on the Nedumbassery airport road early Sunday, according to a report by the Times of India.
The victims were identified as 21-year-old Gopika, her friend Devika, also 21, and Iyas, 21. All three worked at a craft shop in Thrikkakara and were pursuing a six-month course in Ernakulam.
Gopika, the daughter of Pradeep Kumar and Sajitha of Edakkurussi in Karimba panchayat, Palakkad, had completed her Bachelor of Computer Applications degree from KMM College, Ernakulam, in August. She had joined a computer course at Palarivattom and had only a few days left to complete it, the report said.
Alongside her studies, Gopika worked part-time at the craft shop to meet her own expenses and reduce the financial burden on her family. Her stated ambition was to secure a good job, support her parents and help her younger siblings continue their education.
Her father works as an autorickshaw driver, while her mother is a daily-wage worker. Gopika’s younger brother, Abhijith, is a polytechnic student, and her sister, Deepika, studies in Class X. The family lives in Edakkurussi in Palakkad district.
Gopika had been regarded as a bright student. She secured A+ grades in all subjects in Class X and achieved good marks in Plus Two at Thachampara School. Her death has left a family that had been relying on her education and part-time work to improve its financial circumstances.
The crash occurred near Athani signal on the airport road in Nedumbassery, a key urban road corridor serving the area around Cochin International Airport. The source report identified the vehicle as a speeding car but did not provide further details about the driver, the police investigation, the condition of the road or any charges filed in connection with the collision.
Gopika’s last rites were performed at Pampady Ivarmadam on Monday. The available report did not include an official statement on the investigation or announce any further administrative action following the crash.
