6-year-old boy run over by tipper lorry in front of father in Perumbavoor

Kochi: A six-year-old boy was killed after being hit and run over by a tipper lorry near Nedungapra in Perumbavoor on Monday morning. The deceased has been identified as Joshua Basil (6), a Class 2 student and a resident of Nedungapra near Perumbavoor.

According to Kuruppampady police, the accident occurred around 9 am on the Kottappady–Kuruppampady road, near the boy’s residence. The police said Joshua had accompanied his father Basil to a nearby shop to purchase groceries.

The accident occurred near a curved stretch of the road as the father and son were heading across the street. According to police, the father was walking ahead while Joshua was following behind. The boy reportedly attempted to cross to the opposite side just as the heavy vehicle approached.

“According to his father’s statement, although Joshua noticed the speeding tipper and tried to move out of its path, the lorry struck him and its wheels ran over his body. He died on the spot. We are currently investigating the incident and will be taking detailed statements from other witnesses to ascertain the exact sequence of events,” said a police officer at Kuruppampady Police Station.

Both the tipper lorry and its driver have been taken into police custody. The boy’s body was shifted to the Perumbavoor Taluk Hospital for inquest and post-mortem procedures.

It is learnt that the Kottappady–Kuruppampady stretch is frequently used by heavy tipper lorries, and residents have earlier raised concerns about their high speeds despite repeated complaints regarding road safety.

The police have registered a case, and further investigation is underway.