Thiruvananthapuram: Three people were killed in the early hours of Sunday after a Mini Cooper, allegedly driven by a 19-year-old under the influence of alcohol, rammed into a scooter near the Cochin International Airport in Kerala, according to police officials.
The victims have been identified as 21-year-old Devika, a native of Wayanad; 22-year-old Gopika from Palakkad; and 21-year-old Ijaz, a native of Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka. All three victims were traveling together on the scooter and worked at a local handicrafts shop.
The driver of the luxury car has been identified as 19-year-old Suhail Sajeev, who was apprehended by eyewitnesses at the scene and subsequently handed over to law enforcement.
Ernakulam Rural Superintendent of Police KS Sudarshan stated that preliminary indications suggest the suspect was intoxicated during the crash. Authorities have collected his blood and urine samples to confirm alcohol levels and are investigating whether he had consumed any narcotic substances. The driver has been charged with culpable homicide.
Police reported that the collision occurred at approximately 1:45 am on Sunday along the road leading to the airport near Nedumbassery. The speeding Mini Cooper struck the scooter from behind, violently throwing the riders onto the roadway. Although they were rushed to nearby hospitals, all three victims succumbed to their injuries.
Priyad, a colleague of the victims who witnessed the aftermath, told reporters that the luxury vehicle was moving at an excessive speed. He explained that the group had stepped out for late-night tea and were returning when the tragedy struck. While the victims were riding on a scooter ahead, Priyad and another friend followed on a separate two-wheeler. He recalled watching the Mini Cooper race past him at high velocity before hearing a loud crash shortly ahead at a bend in the road.
Investigators are currently examining social media platforms after discovering Instagram videos allegedly showing the suspect driving the same vehicle at speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour on a highway. Police are reviewing these pages and local CCTV footage to determine if the teenager has a documented pattern of reckless driving.
Additionally, forensic experts are inspecting the automobile for any traces of drugs. Officers confirmed that the accused would undergo further medical evaluations before being produced before a magistrate.