NEDUMBASSERY: The negligence and indifference of the National Highways Authority of India in properly maintaining the NH in Kariyad near the Kochi international airport claimed one more life on Tuesday. Sr Philomina, 65, Mother Superior of Our Lady of Mercy Convent in Aroor, succumbed to her injuries when a Scorpio reportedly skidded from the NH in Kariyad in Nedumbassery and plunged 15 ft down to the paddy field in the wee hours of Tuesday. Sr Poulin, 45, of Aroor Convent and driver Sebastian, 48, of Maraparambil, Moolampally, were injured in the accident. They have been admitted to LF Hospital in Angamaly. The mishap occurred while the nuns were returning from Karoor in Tamil Nadu. Mother Superior Philomina who belongs to the Thannikottu family in Cheranalloor died on the spot. The junction and the sharp curve on the NH in Kariyad are considered as one of the most dangerous spots as more than 100 lives have been lost in vehicle accidents here. The unscientific design of the NH, improper maintenance and smooth surface of the road are the main causes for the recurring vehicular accidents. Kariyad Junction is one of the main entrances to the airport. The public had approached the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) when they failed in their attempt to convince the NHAI officials of the chances of accidents. The HRC had visited the area and directed the NHAI to repair the road in Kariyad urgently to avoid further accidents and loss of lives. Many voluntary organisations and local residents launched an agitation, forcing the NHAI to do temporary repair work on the NH. In a bid to prevent the vehicles from skidding, a milling machine was brought from a neighbouring state to chip the NH in the accident prone area. The efforts proved successful as the number of accidents was considerably reduced. But the NH became smooth again posing serious threat to commuters. The plea to chip the road was ignored by NHAI and accidents in the monsoon season shot up alarmingly. The Nedumbassery Police led by CI M Krishnan and SI V Pushparaj rushed to the spot and undertook the rescue operation. K P Dhanapalan MP who visited the accident spot on Tuesday directed the NHAI to take up the repair work urgently and chip the road using the milling machine. Meanwhile, the police took the initiative to chip the road using JCB. Anwar Sadath MLA and panchayat president Poulose also visited the spot.
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