Kottiyam: A section of the national highway near Kollam Chathannoor in Kerala has sunk, causing a large crater and stranding vehicles. The incident occurred at Mylakkad, near Chathannoor, when the side wall of the highway collapsed, destroying the adjacent service road.

A large crater also formed on the approach road near Mylakkad bridge. At the time of the collapse, a school van was on the service road. All occupants were safely evacuated.

The incident at Mylakkad bears similarity to the national highway collapse at Kuriayadi in Malappuram a few months ago. In both cases, sections of the highway under construction caved in. No injuries were reported in the current incident, which occurred during a particularly busy period.

The collapse happened when construction work was nearly complete. Following the incident, traffic has been restricted, and vehicles are being diverted via the coastal highway. State Public Works Minister Muhammad Riyas has called for an inquiry into the incident.