A mini truck crashed into an abandoned quarry and plunged into water at Athavanadu in Malappuram on Friday, killing a cleaner who was trapped inside the vehicle, police said.
The driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle carrying the curry before it fell into a deep, water-filled pit created by quarrying, police said.
The driver, Jaffer, managed to escape and was rescued, officials added.
However, the cleaner Musthafa remained trapped inside the fully submerged vehicle.
Members of the Fire and Rescue Service later arrived at the scene and began lifting the vehicle with a heavy crane. Divers were also deployed during the rescue operation.
After hours of effort, the truck was finally lifted from the water and Musthaf’s body was recovered by 7.30 pm, police said.
The Department of Motor Vehicles will examine the vehicle Saturday to determine the cause of the crash, officials said.
Published – 20 February 2026 21:59 IST