Wed Jan 07 20:28:24 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Sabarimala Pilgrimage Turns Deadly: One Killed, Three Injured in Road Accident

The Story:

On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, a tragic road accident claimed the life of one pilgrim and left three others injured on the Muvattupuzha–Perumbavoor stretch of MC Road in Kerala. The accident occurred at Thrikkalathoor in Muvattupuzha when a car carrying Sabarimala pilgrims collided head-on with a container lorry around 5:30 a.m. The pilgrims were returning after darshan at the Sabarimala temple.

The deceased has been identified as Cheerela Ashok Kumar, 51, a resident of Vanasthalipuram in Telangana. The injured, also from Rangareddy district in Telangana, are Mokedu Rajasekhar, 41, Cheerela Dheeraj, 18, and Pradeep Kumar, 31. Police sources suggest that the car driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the fatal collision.

Key Points:

  • A 51-year-old man, Cheerela Ashok Kumar, was killed in a car accident.
  • The accident involved a car carrying Sabarimala pilgrims and a container lorry.
  • The incident took place on the Muvattupuzha–Perumbavoor stretch of MC Road at Thrikkalathoor in Muvattupuzha.
  • Three other pilgrims were injured and are reported to be in stable condition.
  • Police suspect the driver may have dozed off, causing the accident.
  • The pilgrims were returning from darshan at the Sabarimala temple.
  • All involved were from Telangana.

Key Takeaways:

  • Driver fatigue remains a significant safety concern, particularly during long journeys.
  • Pilgrimage routes often experience increased traffic, heightening the risk of accidents.
  • Road safety measures need constant reinforcement along pilgrimage routes.
  • The incident underscores the human cost associated with road accidents, affecting families and communities.

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