In a heartbreaking incident, Arathi Raj (36), a staff nurse at KIMS Hospital, lost her life after a KSRTC bus hit the scooter she was riding pillion on, near Lourdes Hospital at Aakkulam Bypass in Thiruvananthapuram. The accident occurred around 8 a.m. on Wednesday as she was on her way to work.
Arathi, a native of Vandithadam, Pachalloor, was turning off the bypass road toward Lourdes Hospital when a bus coming from the opposite direction collided with the two-wheeler. The impact threw her off the scooter, and the bus tragically ran over her head, killing her instantly.
Despite the prompt arrival of the Chackai Fire Force, Arathi was declared dead at the scene. Her body has been placed at KIMS Hospital for public viewing and will be cremated later today at Thycaud Santhikavadam.
Arathi is survived by her husband Manoj, daughters Pavithra (10) and Prarthana (6), father Rajendran Nair, mother Ramadevi, and brother Arun Raj. The untimely death of the nurse, who was described as dedicated and compassionate, has deeply shaken her colleagues, patients, and the local community.
As investigations into the accident continue, many are demanding stricter road safety enforcement and better protections for two-wheeler commuters.