A Dubai-based Indian businessman and his wife died in a road accident on a highway in Kerala on Tuesday, while their teenage daughter survived after the family had switched vehicles moments before the crash, local police confirmed.
What Happened on the Kerala Highway
The accident occurred on the busy MC Road near Kottayam district, according to a statement from the Kerala Police. The family was travelling in a car when it collided with a truck that had veered into their lane. The impact killed both parents instantly. Their daughter, who was originally in the same vehicle, survived with injuries that local media described as serious but non-life-threatening.
Police investigators told reporters that the family had been visiting relatives in Kerala for the past two weeks. The daughter, whose name has not been released pending notification of extended family, was airlifted to a private hospital in Ernakulam for treatment.
The Car Switch That Saved Her Life
Authorities said the daughter had switched cars with her parents only minutes before the collision. She had originally been travelling in a second vehicle driven by a relative, which continued ahead on the highway. The teenager then transferred to her parents' car for a brief stop, police confirmed.
The truck driver involved in the crash has been detained by local authorities. Officers said alcohol testing of the truck driver was underway. The exact cause of the collision remained under investigation, though early reports suggested the truck had crossed the road's central divider.
Community Response in Kerala
Residents near the accident site gathered as emergency services arrived. Local volunteers helped cordon off the area while an ambulance reached the scene within 20 minutes, according to officials at the Kottayam district hospital. The couple's bodies were taken to Government Medical College Hospital Kottayam for post-mortem procedures.
The Family's Life in Dubai
The deceased man had worked in Dubai for more than a decade, operating a trading business in the city's Deira district. His wife had joined him there after their marriage. Friends in the Kerala community described the couple as regular visitors who maintained strong ties with their home state.
Indian consular officials in Dubai said they were in contact with the family in Kerala and were assisting with arrangements to repatriate the bodies. The man's brother in Kozhencherry confirmed the family's return trip had been planned for later this week.
Road Safety Concerns in Kerala
The accident comes amid ongoing concerns about highway safety in Kerala. The MC Road is one of the state's busiest corridors, carrying heavy traffic including cargo trucks and passenger vehicles. Official data from the Kerala Road Safety Authority showed the district recorded 47 fatal accidents in the previous fiscal year.
Police have increased checks on truck drivers following a series of collisions on state highways this year. Authorities have called for improved road barriers and signage along major routes.
Consular Support and Repatriation Plans
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi confirmed officials were coordinating with the family to expedite documentation for the return of remains. The process typically takes three to five working days, an embassy spokesperson told local media. The daughter is expected to remain in Kerala until she is cleared for travel by her medical team.
Community organisations in Kerala have offered support to the family during this period. A representative from the Kerala NRI Commission said they were monitoring the situation and were available to assist with any bureaucratic requirements.
What Happens Next
Police said the truck driver would face charges under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. The investigation was expected to conclude within two weeks. Meanwhile, the family was working with the Indian consular office to arrange the repatriation before the end of the month.
Citizens with family members travelling on Kerala highways are advised to monitor official road safety advisories. The Kerala Traffic Police have urged drivers to exercise caution during the ongoing monsoon season, when road conditions deteriorate across the state.
See Also
- TSMC Posts 35% Revenue Surge as AI Demand Soars
- NSUI Asks Delhi HC to Probe CBSE Online Exam Failures Affecting Lakhs of Students
The man's brother in Kozhencherry confirmed the family's return trip had been planned for later this week.Road Safety Concerns in KeralaThe accident comes amid ongoing concerns about highway safety in Kerala. Authorities have called for improved road barriers and signage along major routes.Consular Support and Repatriation PlansThe Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi confirmed officials were coordinating with the family to expedite documentation for the return of remains.
