Kuttippuram: One person was killed and several others were injured after a private bus overturned in Kuttippuram in Malappuram district on Sunday. Three of the injured are reported to be in critical condition and are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals, including the Taluk Hospital.

The bus, which was reportedly travelling from Kozhikode to Thrissur, crashed into a road divider while passing through the area in rainy conditions. The impact caused the bus to overturn and fall onto a car on the opposite side of the divider.

According to initial reports, there were no passengers inside the car at the time of the accident. The vehicle had reportedly been involved in another accident earlier and was parked by the roadside.

It is not yet clear whether overspeeding contributed to the accident. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the crash.

Following the incident, traffic movement along the stretch was disrupted for some time. Efforts are underway to remove the overturned bus from the spot using a crane.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel, police officials and local residents joined hands in the rescue operation. Ambulances arrived at the scene shortly after the accident and transported the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Local residents said the stretch where the accident occurred is accident-prone, pointing out that a similar crash had taken place in the area a few months ago. They urged authorities to take measures to improve safety along the route.