Kakkanad (Kochi, Kerala): A group of Class 11 students had a narrow escape after steel pipes from a pickup van smashed into their car near Vallathol Junction in Thrikkakara on Thursday afternoon.

The incident occurred near Cardinal School Junction and left onlookers shocked as the pipes pierced into the vehicle’s cabin.

The pickup van was carrying steel pipes from the Kakkanad side when it reportedly braked suddenly at the junction around 2 pm. At the same time, the car was entering Seaport Road from Judgemukku Road.

The pipes were not properly secured. They broke loose during the sudden braking and surged forward with force, hitting the car ahead.

The impact shattered the right-side windows and drove the pipes into the cabin.

Students’ quick move prevents injuries, traffic halted

The students seated in the rear quickly shifted aside as the pipes entered the car. Their swift reaction helped prevent injuries.

Onlookers were left stunned by the sight of the pipes sticking into the interior of the vehicle.

Following the incident, traffic on Seaport Road was disrupted for nearly an hour. Movement resumed only after local residents cleared the pipes scattered on the road.