15 students among 18 injured after two school buses collide head-on near Koothattukulam

Kochi: Around 18 people, including 15 students, sustained minor injuries after two school buses collided at Elanji near Koothattukulam in Ernakulam on Monday evening. The accident occurred at a turning close to the Elanji panchayat when the buses, belonging to St. Philomena’s Public School, Elanji, and SKPS School, Kaduthuruthy, collided head-on while transporting students home after school hours. 

According to Koothattukulam police, the front portions of both buses were badly damaged in the impact. “It was a head-on collision, and the exact cause is yet to be determined. Statements from the drivers and witnesses will be recorded as part of the investigation,” police sources said. 

A total of six students were admitted to Devamatha Hospital, Koothattukulam, while nine students, both drivers, and a bus attendant were taken to MUM Hospital, Monippally. Hospital officials confirmed that all injured persons are stable. 

Sources at both hospitals said that most of the injured students suffered facial injuries caused by hitting the seat rods or window frames during the crash. One student at Devamatha Hospital is suspected to have sustained a minor fracture on the arm, while four students at MUM Hospital with head swellings will undergo a CT scan to rule out further complications. 

Doctors said the prompt response of residents and police helped ensure all the injured were taken to nearby hospitals quickly. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.