Sat Jan 18 15:02:38 UTC 2025: ## Tourist Bus Crash in Irinjayam: Driver Arrested, License Revoked
**Thiruvananthapuram, January 18, 2025** – The driver of a tourist bus involved in a fatal accident in Irinjayam on Friday night has been arrested. Arul Das, the driver, is accused of negligence leading to the accident that killed one passenger and injured several others. Police have arrested Das, while questioning the bus cleaner, who was treated at Mamal Hospital in Kattakada following the accident. Das denies charges of alcohol consumption, though a blood sample has been sent to a forensic lab for testing.
The accident occurred on a sharp curve, with investigations revealing the bus was traveling at 41 kmph in a 20 kmph zone. Authorities found the bus’s braking system to be functioning correctly, contradicting the driver’s claims. The bus was also found to be equipped with an illegal high-power audio-visual system, which may have contributed to driver distraction.
Following an inquest, the body of 61-year-old Dasini, who perished in the accident, was released to her family. Meanwhile, the Nedumangad Joint Regional Transport Office (RTO) has suspended Das’s license and revoked the bus’s fitness certificate, initiating steps to cancel its permit and registration.
Of the 29 individuals treated at the Government Medical College Hospital, all but two have been discharged. Three of the nine children treated at SAT Hospital remain hospitalized, with two having been moved out of the ICU.
A protest was held by the Congress party at Irinjayam, citing concerns about road conditions. However, the Irinjayam ward member denied these claims, stating that road widening work was underway and that accidents are not a frequent occurrence at this location. The MVD expects a full report within a couple of days.
First Piper 