Kottayam: An auto rickshaw driver died after his vehicle fell into a stone quarry pit at Parakkamala in Thottakkad. The deceased is Ajesh Vijayan (34), a native of Thottakkad. The accident happened on Wednesday night when the deceased was returning along the stone quarry pit road after dropping off passengers.

The auto skidded off the road and fell into the water-filled pit. The quarry did not have a protective wall. Although the incident occurred around 8 PM on Wednesday, the locals learned about it only the next morning.

When Ajesh was reported missing, a search ensued which concluded with the accident being discovered. The body was recovered following a search involving fire rescue and scuba diving teams. The body and the auto were lifted ashore under the leadership of the Kottayam Fire Rescue Service.