Kothamangalam: Three dental college students drowned after being swept away by strong currents while bathing in the Palavanpadi River near Vadattupara in Kothamangalam on Sunday afternoon.

The deceased have been identified as Biyon, from Thiruvalla; Hareesh, from Thiruvananthapuram; and Atul, from Kottayam. The incident occurred at around 2 pm.

According to reports, a group of nine students from a dental college in Kothamangalam had gone to bathe in the river when three of them were caught in the strong current and swept away. Fire and rescue personnel, assisted by local residents, later recovered the students following a search operation.

The three were rushed to a private hospital in Kothamangalam, but doctors were unable to save them. Hospital authorities said all three were in an extremely critical condition when they were brought in.

The river, which flows through a forested area, is known for its deep pools and dangerous currents. Locals said warning boards have been installed in hazardous spots, but visitors often ignore the safety warnings.

The tragedy comes just two weeks after three nursing college students drowned in the Omanur area of the same river.