Elderly woman killed when KSRTC bus hits car in Kerala’s Kumily

A 71-year-old woman died when a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus collided with a car at mile 66 near Kumily on the Kottarakara-Dindigul National Highway on Wednesday morning (September 23, 2026).

The deceased was identified as Sali Thomas (71) of Mylapra in Pathanamthitta district.

The accident happened around 6:50 a.m., according to police. A family of five from Pathanamthitta was on their way to Velankanni from Kumbazha when the incident took place. As their car reached the 66th mile, a KSRTC bus heading from Kumila towards Kottayam reportedly hit the car while passing a bend. Part of the car was damaged in the impact and the elderly woman died on the spot.

There were five people in the car at the time of the accident — Alexander, a resident of Kumbazha, his wife Mercy, daughter Angela and relatives Mercy and Sali. Alexander, who was behind the wheel, suffered minor injuries, while the others escaped unhurt.

After the collision, the KSRTC driver allegedly failed to stop the vehicle and drove another kilometer before stopping the vehicle at Chottupara.

The Kumily police have registered a case against the KSRTC bus driver for rash and negligent driving. The victim’s body was later taken to a hospital for an autopsy.

Published – 23 Sep 2026 21:05 IST