Palakkad (Kerala): A cement lorry heading towards Mannarkad here overturned, resulting in the deaths of four girls from Karimba Higher Secondary School in the district. The victims were identified as Irfana, Nida, Rida and Aysha.

The incident took place at Panayampadam, Kalladikode, in Palakkad on the Kozhikode-Palakkad National Highway.

The accident occurred around 4 pm when the Class eight students had just finished their exam and were waiting at the bus stop to return home. Upon seeing the out-of-control lorry speeding towards them, one of the students managed to jump out of the way. However, the lorry overturned on top of the other students. Three girls died on the spot, and one severely injured girl succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The bodies of the three deceased girls were taken to Tanchampara Esaf Hospital, while the body of the fourth was taken to Mannarkad Mother Care Hospital.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the lorry may have overturned due to the rain. However, reports indicate that the lorry collided with another vehicle before losing control. Witnesses say the lorry crashed into a tree near a house. Locals, police and the Fire Force carried out the rescue operations.