Driving along the Kothamangalam-Neriamangalam stretch on a rainy day can turn into a nightmare if one of the giant tress that dot the stretch gets uprooted.
That’s exactly what happened on Friday, when a school bus crumbled under a tree snuffing out five lives prematurely. The accident created fear in the minds of the local people.
“There is nothing but fear in our minds. The 20-km stretch between Kothamangalam and Neriamangalam is a death trap. Authorities should not wait for more tragedies to happen before taking corrective measures,” said Majeed, driver of a cargo autorickshaw.
He said many giant trees in the area were in a dangerous condition. Eldho, who runs a small hotel along the stretch, warned of a bigger tragedy. He particularly picked out a dangerously rotten tree near a mini stadium at Kavalangad. “It has been in that state for years now and it can get uprooted any time. It will fall right over electric lines and will be a miracle if it misses youngsters who are regulars at the stadium,” he said.
Manoj, a casual worker, seethed at the authorities’ complacency, which he blamed for the loss of five lives on Friday. “Now, every time a wind sweeps past we will fear for the safety of our children who might be on the road at that moment just like those five children,” he said.
He said there were many spots where trees almost encroach on to the road blocking the view of motorists.
The 20-km stretch between Kothamangalam and Neriamangalam is a death trap.
