tree fall on bus
The dangerous condition of the tree was earlier reported by the media, however, the authorities failed to take any action.Twitter/Shanavas Karimattam

Five students died after a tree fell on a school bus in Kothamangalam, Ernakulam, on Friday, 26 June.

The accident took place in the evening in Kuthukuzhy area while the students were on their way home from Vidya Vikas School at Karukadom in Ernakulam district.

The deceased were identified as Krishnendu (5), Johan (13), Gauri (9), Ameer Jafer (8) and Isha Sara (14).

UPDATE: The bodies of Krishnendu and Ameer have been cremated on Saturday.

Johan and Isha's funeral services will begin soon, meanwhile, Gauri will be cremated only after her grandparents come back from the US.

Teachers and students of Vidya Vikas school as well as other natives have been paying their last tributes to the victims of the accident. 

Ministers PJ Joseph, Anoop Jacob and K Babu visited the families of the victims.

Eye Donation

Following the accident, Krishnendu's parents, Abeesh and Varsha, have decided to donate the UKG student's eyes.

Seven others, Divyaniya, Jewel, A Anagha,  Gauri's brother Devasarang, Hridya Eldhose, Manu Eldho were admitted to nearby Mar Baselios Medical Mission and Dharmagiri hospitals. Jewel Jehi, who is critically injured has been admitted to Kolenchery Medical Mission hospital.

Kerala government will give ₹4 lakh compensation each to the families of the victims. Ernakulam collector has declared tomorrow a public holiday for the schools in Kothamangalam.

Without conducting post-mortem, the bodies of the deceased have been given to their families. 

The impact of the accident was such that the school bus was badly damaged.

The dangerous condition of the tree was earlier reported by the media, however, the authorities failed to take any action. MLA of Kerala Assembly, TU Kuruvila, expressed his grief over the incident.

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