Kollam: A major disaster was narrowly avoided when a section of the under-construction National Highway in Kottiyam, Kollam, collapsed while vehicles were passing along the service road. A school bus carrying children was among the four vehicles trapped at the scene. The collapse caused the road to crack and a large pit to form, reportedly due to a landslide on the highway.

The fact that the collapsed section and the retaining wall did not fall onto the service road prevented a major catastrophe. However, the retaining wall remains unstable and could collapse at any moment. All occupants of the school bus and other vehicles were safely evacuated.

A water drain running beneath the road is believed to have contributed to the accident, with preliminary reports suggesting that the road was constructed over it without adequate arrangements. Residents also criticised the National Highway Authority and the construction company for negligence in the handling of the project.

Public Works Department Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas announced that an immediate investigation has been ordered. He added that authorities have been instructed to seek an explanation from the National Highway Authority, whose officials are expected to visit the accident site.