India

19‑Year‑Old Driver of Mini Cooper Charged After Fatal Collision Near Cochin Airport

By Vishnu Varma

A 19‑year‑old driver, identified as Suhail Sajeev, was arrested after a Mini Cooper allegedly driven under the influence of alcohol collided with a scooter near the Cochin International Airport in Kerala. The crash, which occurred around 1:45 a.m. on Sunday on the road leading to the airport, killed three scooter riders: Devika (21) of Wayanad, Gopika (22) of Palakkad, and Ijaz (21) of Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka. All three were working at a handicrafts shop and were traveling on the scooter at the time of the accident. Police say the Mini Cooper was speeding and rammed the scooter from behind, sending the riders into the road with great force. The victims were rushed to nearby hospitals but did not survive. Superintendent of Police KS Sudarshan said the accused was found to be drunk at the time and has been charged with culpable homicide. Blood and urine samples have been collected for confirmation, and the vehicle is being examined for traces of drugs. The accused will be medically examined and presented before a magistrate today. Witnesses, including a fellow employee named Priyad, reported that the Mini Cooper was traveling beyond permissible limits. Social media videos of the accused driving at speeds over 200 km/h are being reviewed by police for evidence of a history of rash driving. The incident has prompted authorities to investigate the driver’s past conduct and the circumstances of the crash.