CHARUMOODU: Carelessly dumped electric poles along both sides of the Kollam–Theni National Highway have become a silent but growing danger. Initially offloaded months ago by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), these poles now pose serious threats to motorists—especially during night-time when poor lighting compounds the risk.

Recently, two people lost their lives near the Sanitorium after their car and a motorbike collided with these roadside concrete pillars. Just days ago, two young riders sustained injuries in a similar crash near Chunakkara.

Earlier, such poles were stored on less frequented routes or spacious road shoulders, placed sporadically at one-kilometre intervals. Now, clusters of 15 to 30 poles are being heaped together at accident-prone stretches, often without proper reflective markings or warning signs.

In some areas, the poles obstruct visibility so severely that oncoming vehicles are completely hidden, increasing the likelihood of head-on collisions.

With the number of accidents rising, locals are demanding that KSEB urgently remove or relocate the poles to safer locations. Activists and residents have called for better coordination between roadwork contractors and utility services to prevent such reckless storage in the future.

Until corrective action is taken, the Kollam–Theni stretch remains a death trap in waiting, especially after dark.