On Wednesday morning at around half-past eight, a quiet stretch of the Kottayam-Kumily highway near Pampady in Kerala became the site of a heartbreaking tragedy. Two young childhood friends lost their lives in a sudden road accident at the 13th Mile junction near Edakkarapadi. Ashley Ann Thomas, aged 24, was riding her scooter towards Kanam, with her close friend Kripa Merin Kurian, also 24, riding pillion. The two young women were travelling from Pampady to visit a mutual friend when the fatal crash took place. Within moments, a normal morning journey ended in devastating grief for their families and neighbouring villages. Both women died on the spot.

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A surprise homecoming ends in heart-break

For Kripa Merin Kurian, the trip back home to Kerala was supposed to be a joyful secret. She had completed her postgraduate studies in Australia. When her brother Kiran Jacob Kurian booked his flight home for a vacation, Kripa decided to join him as a surprise for her family. They arrived home in Kottayam just two days ago. Kripa had been looking forward to celebrating her 25th birthday on the 22nd of November. Instead, her unexpected return home ended in tragedy after just forty-eight hours. Upon arriving, she immediately reunited with her lifelong friend, Ashley. The two schoolmates had spent the past two days travelling together, catching up on lost time after years of studying in different places.

How the collision occurred at Pampady

The fatal crash occurred on National Highway 183 near Kothala 13th Mile as the women rode towards Kanam. Police reported that a car travelling ahead of the scooter suddenly braked and swerved to avoid hitting a parked motorcycle and a pedestrian talking by the roadside. As the car slowed down abruptly, Ashley's scooter brushed past the vehicle and skidded out of control. The two-wheeler and its riders fell directly into the path of an oncoming private bus heading towards Kottayam on the Kattappana-Thankamany route. The impact was immediate, leaving no time for rescue. Local police from Pampady quickly arrived at the scene to manage the situation and complete legal formalities. Following an autopsy at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam, the bodies were moved to a hospital mortuary at Manarcad.

A sorrowful farewell for two bright futures

The loss of Ashley and Kripa has left the communities of Pampady and Meenadom in deep mourning. Both young women were accomplished students with bright careers ahead. Ashley had recently completed her ACCA chartered accountancy qualifications after studying in Bengaluru, with her results announced earlier this week. She leaves behind her mother Mary Thomas and her brother Alvin V Thomas. Kripa, the daughter of Fr Kuriakose Kadavumbhagom and Anita Kurian, had completed her higher studies in Australia, with her convocation planned for March.