Eight people were killed after the car they were travelling in collided with a parked lorry on NH 66 at Panambikkunnu in Kaipamangalam, Thrissur district, late Friday night.
Car crashes into lorry late at night
The accident occurred at around 11.40 pm when the car, reportedly travelling from Guruvayur towards Kodungallur, crashed into a lorry parked along the National Highway.
According to police, all eight deceased are from neighbouring Tamil Nadu and are believed to be students. Their identities have not yet been officially released.
Rescue teams rush to mangled car
The collision was severe, leaving the car badly mangled and trapping the occupants inside.
Police, fire brigade personnel and local residents rushed to the spot and began rescue operations. Rescue equipment was used to cut open the vehicle and retrieve those trapped inside.
However, all eight occupants had succumbed to their injuries by the time they were brought out.
Bodies shifted for post-mortem
The bodies were shifted to the mortuary at Thrissur Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the deceased may have been students of PSNA College of Engineering and Technology in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. However, police have not officially confirmed their identities or educational institution.
The circumstances leading to the collision and further details about the victims are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.