Eight engineering students from Dindigul never made it home. Their car crashed on National Highway 66 at Panampikkunnu in Kaipamangalam, in Kerala's Thrissur district, on Friday night — and by Sunday, the mangled wreckage had become the backdrop for an official visit and an urgent demand for answers.
Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister S. Rajesh Kumar travelled to the crash site on Sunday (September 6, 2026), visiting the stretch of highway where the young students' journey ended. Expressing deep grief over the tragedy, he said immediate steps would be taken, in consultation with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, to ensure all necessary assistance reaches the families of the students.
Key facts
- Eight engineering students from Dindigul died in a crash on NH 66 at Panampikkunnu in Kaipamangalam, Thrissur district, on Friday night.
- Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister S. Rajesh Kumar visited the site on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
- He promised all necessary assistance for the victims' families, in consultation with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
- He flagged what he called unscientific and incomplete highway construction and demanded accountability from the NHAI and other agencies.
A tragedy that 'should never have happened'
For the grieving families in Dindigul, the minister's words carried the weight of official acknowledgment. Standing at the site, Rajesh Kumar did not soften his assessment of the loss.
"This is a tragedy that should never have happened," he said.
The minister said the state government would move quickly to support the bereaved families, with the response to be worked out in consultation with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
Hard questions for the highway builders
Beyond the condolences, Rajesh Kumar turned his attention to the road itself. He raised concerns over what he described as unscientific and incomplete highway construction, warning that such conditions could contribute to deadly accidents.
His message to those responsible was blunt: the remaining road works must be completed at the earliest, and stronger measures are needed to keep motorists safe. There should be no lapses on the part of the National Highways Authority of India or other agencies responsible for the project, he said, adding that strict measures were needed to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
How events unfolded
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| Friday night | A car carrying eight engineering students from Dindigul crashes on NH 66 at Kaipamangalam; all eight die. |
| Sunday, September 6, 2026 | Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister S. Rajesh Kumar visits the crash site, promises support for the families and demands early completion of highway works. |
For now, a highway still under construction remains under scrutiny — and eight families wait for the help they were promised.
Comments