Three people lost their lives in the early hours of Sunday when a speeding Mini Cooper, allegedly driven by a 19-year-old under the influence of alcohol, collided with a scooter near Cochin International Airport in Kerala.
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## Tragic Incident Near Cochin Airport
At approximately **1:45 a.m.** on Sunday, on the road leading to Cochin International Airport near Nedumbassery, a Mini Cooper crashed into the rear of a scooter carrying three individuals. The impact sent them hurtling onto the road. All sustained serious injuries and were quickly taken to local hospitals, but none survived.
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## Identities of the Victims and the Accused
The deceased have been identified as:
– **Devika (21)** from Wayanad
– **Gopika (22)** from Palakkad
– **Ijaz (21)** from Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
All three worked at a handicrafts shop and were riding the scooter when the collision occurred.
The driver of the Mini Cooper is **Suhail Sajeev (19)**. Eyewitnesses detained him at the scene and handed him over to law enforcement.
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## Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Officials believe Suhail was intoxicated at the time of the accident. Blood and urine samples have been collected for analysis, and authorities are also checking whether he consumed narcotic substances. He has been charged with **culpable homicide**.
Superintendent of Police Ernakulam Rural, K.S. Sudarshan, stated: “Prima facie, the accused was drunk at the time.” He confirmed the ongoing sample tests.
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## Eyewitness Account
A coworker who witnessed the tragedy said they had stopped out for late-night tea. The victim trio was riding ahead of this coworker and another two-wheeler when the Mini Cooper suddenly overtook at high speed. “I had to move aside,” the witness said. “Then I heard a loud crash and saw my friends lying on the road.”
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## Evidence of Speeding and Recklessness
There are videos on social media—especially Instagram—showing the accused allegedly driving the Mini Cooper on highways at speeds above **200 km/h**. Police are verifying those videos, along with CCTV footage from the crash location, to assess the accused’s history of dangerous driving.
Forensic experts are inspecting the vehicle for traces of narcotics, while medical exams and legal procedures are in progress. The accused will be produced before a magistrate.
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## Broader Context
Kerala has seen mounting concerns over incidents involving **drunk driving**, particularly among young drivers. According to recent traffic safety data, such cases are increasingly linked to multiple fatalities. Experts say more stringent enforcement of **road safety laws** and public awareness campaigns are needed to prevent repeat tragedies like this.
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## Looking Ahead
Police continue to:
– Await laboratory results from the blood, urine, and forensic tests
– Curate social media and CCTV materials to establish a pattern of reckless driving
– Proceed with judicial proceedings against Suhail Sajeev
The bereaved families have been informed, and a formal case is being prepared under relevant sections of the criminal code. The community awaits further updates as the investigation unfolds.
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