Fire and Rescue Officer Dies in Accident After Fire Tender Loses Control and Crashes Into Four Vehicles Near Erumely
PATHANAMTHITTA: A Fire and Rescue Services officer was killed and two others were injured after a fire tender lost control, crashed into four vehicles, and overturned at Thulappally Alappad Junction, between Kanamala and Erumely, on Saturday afternoon.
The deceased has been identified as Ranjith (40), a native of Kollam and Fire and Rescue Officer at the Thiruvalla Fire Station.
The accident occurred between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. while the fire tender was travelling towards Erumely with eight Fire and Rescue Services personnel from various fire stations who had been deployed for Sabarimala duty.
According to the Pamba Police, the vehicle lost control while descending a steep stretch of road. It first rammed into a Forest Department jeep, then collided with another jeep carrying Sabarimala pilgrims. The fire tender subsequently crashed into two tourist buses before overturning.
Among the injured firefighters, one sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital, while the other suffered minor injuries.
Police suspect that brake failure may have caused the accident. However, officials said the exact cause will be confirmed only after a detailed inspection by the Motor Vehicles Department.
Ranjith's body has been kept at Kottayam Government Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.