Wayanad: A lorry travelling on the Boys Town–Palchuram road in Wayanad lost control and plunged down a steep section of the Palchuram ghat after the driver relied on Google Maps to find an ‘easier’ route. The vehicle, which had been carrying cables from Raipur to Kolakkad Marshel Industries, Kannur overturned into a ravine, killing the driver.

The deceased has been identified as L Senthilkumar (49) from Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu. His body was released to family members after post-mortem at Mananthavady Medical College. The lorry’s cleaner, Senthilkumar Ramaswamy (44) from Tiruchirappalli, escaped with minor injuries.

The accident occurred because the driver ignored advice from James Kuriakose, owner of Marshel Industries, and the lorry’s cleaner, who had warned that the lorry should descend via the Nedumpoil ghat rather than the steep Boys Town–Palchuram route.

The lorry lost control and fell approximately 100 feet down the damaged ghat, smashing roadside electric poles and narrowly missing a house belonging to Thomas of Kanjirathamkuzhi, which was unoccupied at the time.

Lack of warning signs in other languages

Locals are urging authorities to install clear warning boards along the Boys Town–Palchuram road to alert drivers, particularly from other states, about the steep gradient and the sharp drop. Many drivers rely on Google Maps, which marks this route as the easier option, unaware of the risks posed by its steep sections. Heavy vehicles are advised to take the Nedumpoil–Periya ghat route instead.

Road riddled with potholes

The ghat road is riddled with potholes of various sizes, and in several places, the tarmac has broken away entirely. During heavy rain and mist, the potholes are often obscured, making navigation extremely hazardous for drivers. Large holes have also developed along the roadside, and it is largely by chance that more vehicles have not ended up in accidents while crossing the ghat.

Every year, millions are spent on temporary repairs, which often deteriorate within months. Rs10 lakhs have been allocated for minor repair works. Additionally, Rs 41.44 crore have been sanctioned for widening and improving the Palchuram ghat road, but tender processes have been delayed.