Kozhikode: Three people lost their lives in a collision between a pickup van and a car near Pathimangalam in Kunnamangalam. The accident claimed the lives of two car passengers and the pickup van driver. The accident occurred at approximately 2.50 am on Monday. Two others, including the van’s cleaner, sustained injuries.

The deceased have been identified as Nihal (27) from Vavad in Koduvally, Subik from Engapuzha, and Sameer from Wayanad. The seriously injured pickup passenger, Safeeek, is receiving treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.

The car, travelling towards Koduvally, collided with a pickup van heading to Kunnamangalam. Reports indicate that one of the deceased car passengers was from Engapuzha and the other from Vavad in Koduvally, while the pickup driver was a Wayanad native.

After the crash, the fire brigade from Vellimadukunnu arrived and used hydraulic cutters to free the trapped passengers. The van driver was rescued by cutting open the cabin and was immediately taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident. The bodies will be handed over to relatives after postmortem examinations, police said.

(with inputs from PTI)