Kasaragod: September 20 marks the 110th anniversary of Travancore's first recorded road accident resulting in death. This incident, which occurred in the region now part of the newly formed state of Kerala, is considered the state's first vehicular fatality.

On September 20, 1914, a car overturned near Kayamkulam, injuring Kerala Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, who later succumbed to his injuries on the 22nd while receiving treatment.

How did the mishap occur?

Kerala Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, often referred to as the 'Kalidasa of Kerala,' was en route to Padmanabhapuram Palace in Thiruvananthapuram after a visit to the Vaikom Temple. The accident took place near the Kayamkulam Kuttitheruvu bridge. The car overturned after the driver swerved to avoid a dog. Koil Thampuran’s heir, Kerala Panini A. R. Rajarajavarma, was also present at the scene. Koil Thampuran died at Rajarajavarma’s palace in Mavelikkara while undergoing treatment.