Nedumbassery: The deaths of two young women and a young man in a road accident on the Nedumbassery-Airport road in the early hours of Sunday have shocked Kerala, bringing the growing trend of night-time racing under scrutiny

Athani junction, Airport junction and the airport road along the national highway have increasingly become accident-prone areas. The trend of night drives, along with the widespread filming of social media reels, has gained popularity in the area.

From 11 pm, cars and motorbikes engage in races that continue until 5 am. Sports cars and bikes speed along the roads, often producing loud noises. While other road users are left frightened by such activities, authorities have taken little action to curb them. Many participants are reportedly involved in racing under the influence of alcohol and other intoxicants.

Eight two-wheeler riders have died in separate accidents in the Athani area over the past five months. The number of people visiting the airport surroundings at night to enjoy the views and eat out has also been increasing.

Although the airport road is equipped with surveillance cameras operated by Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), the footage is examined by the police only when required.

Probe into how Suhail obtained alcohol

Excise Minister M. Liju has ordered an investigation into how Suhail, the driver of the car involved in the fatal accident, obtained alcohol from various bars despite the legal prohibition on serving alcohol to people under the age of 23.

Blood samples were collected to determine whether he had consumed any other intoxicants. Following preliminary questioning, the police took Suhail to Angamaly Taluk Hospital for a medical examination.

The bodies of Iyyas and Devika underwent post-mortem examinations at Aluva Taluk Hospital, while Gopika's post-mortem was conducted at Angamaly Taluk Hospital. The bodies were subsequently handed over to their relatives.

Gopika is survived by her siblings, Deepika and Abhijith. Devika's brother, Devanand, is a Plus One student at Panamaram Government Higher Secondary School. Their mother, Saritha, works as an accountant at Vijayamandiram Estate. Iyyas is survived by his sister, Istifa.