NH-66 Collapse In Kollam Sparks Panic As School Bus Gets Trapped

A sudden collapse on NH-66 in Kollam created fear, confusion and anger among people who use the busy highway every day. The incident took place without any warning and left several vehicles trapped near the damaged stretch. Among them was a school bus carrying young children, which made the situation even more serious. Locals rushed to the spot to help while authorities tried to understand what caused the collapse. The event has raised many questions about road safety, maintenance and the need for stronger monitoring to prevent such incidents in the future. The collapse also affected daily movement across the region and showed how one break in a major highway can disrupt thousands of lives at once.

How The Collapse Happened

Witnesses said they heard a loud cracking sound before the road section suddenly caved in. The collapse formed a deep dip in the middle of the highway, and drivers who were approaching had very little time to react. Some managed to stop their vehicles just in time while others were stuck dangerously close to the damaged patch. People nearby rushed to warn incoming vehicles to slow down and stay away from the weakened area. Dust rose into the air as the ground beneath the road surface gave way. The entire stretch looked unstable and unsafe. Drivers and passengers stepped out of their vehicles in shock as they tried to figure out what happened.

School Bus At The Center Of Concern

The presence of a school bus made the situation extremely worrying. Parents rushed to the spot when they learned that the bus was trapped near the collapse. Thankfully the bus had not fallen into the deepest part of the damaged area which prevented a bigger tragedy. Teachers inside the bus acted quickly and helped guide the children to a safer spot away from the road. Local volunteers also joined in to assist the students and keep them calm. Medical teams later checked the children to ensure no one was hurt. Even though the students were safe, the sight of a school bus caught in such a dangerous situation left many families shaken. Many parents demanded answers on why this stretch of road had not been repaired earlier despite complaints from locals about minor cracks and vibrations.

Immediate Emergency Response

Police, fire teams and rescue workers arrived soon after receiving calls from the public. They quickly cordoned off the highway to prevent any more vehicles from entering the zone. Officers guided people back and made sure the trapped vehicles were cleared in the safest way possible. Rescue teams inspected the damaged stretch using ropes and tools to estimate how much of the road was affected. Cranes and other heavy machines were brought in to remove debris and check the stability of the ground beneath the road. The quick response helped prevent further accidents but people still felt that such a collapse should never have taken place on a major highway.

What Could Have Caused The Collapse

Experts said that the continuous rain in the past few weeks may have weakened the soil under the road. Drainage problems are also suspected because water may have collected beneath the surface and softened the ground. Poor drainage can slowly eat away at the layers that support a highway. Engineers suggested that regular checks might not have been carried out properly or that early signs of damage were not taken seriously. Some locals said they had noticed cracks forming and strange sounds from the road earlier but their complaints were ignored. This has caused anger in the community because they believe the collapse could have been avoided with better maintenance and faster action.

Traffic Impact And Long Delays

NH-66 is a key road that connects many parts of the region so the collapse caused massive traffic jams. Vehicles were lined up for hours as police tried to set up alternative routes. Many people missed important meetings and appointments while goods vehicles faced delays that affected business schedules. Buses and public transport suffered major setbacks and passengers had to wait for long periods. Small shops and delivery services in nearby areas also reported losses because their movement was restricted. The incident showed how dependent daily life is on the smooth functioning of major highways and how a small section collapsing can disturb the normal flow of life for thousands.

Public Anger And Fear

People living near the collapsed stretch expressed frustration and disappointment. Many said the highway has been poorly maintained and that authorities failed to act on earlier warnings. Some questioned the quality of the construction materials used and whether the road was checked properly before being opened for heavy traffic. Parents of children in the school bus were especially upset and demanded that officials take immediate steps to ensure safer routes for school transport. Social media filled with videos and photos of the collapse along with strong messages demanding accountability. Many users felt that more attention is needed for infrastructure safety rather than waiting for a disaster to take place.

Statements From Officials

Government officials visited the site and promised a thorough investigation. They said repair work would begin immediately once engineers completed their assessment. Authorities also said they would check other parts of NH-66 to make sure similar risks do not exist elsewhere. They assured the public that safety would be their top priority and that steps would be taken to improve the drainage system in the area. While these statements offered some relief, people still remained cautious. They want long term solutions and strict monitoring instead of temporary repairs that may not last.

Learning From The Incident

This event serves as a strong reminder that infrastructure safety must always be taken seriously. Regular inspections should be carried out and any sign of damage must be addressed quickly. Better drainage systems can prevent water from collecting beneath roads and weakening the soil. Schools may also need to review their bus routes during heavy rains or choose safer paths even if they are longer. The incident has shown that even one small gap in planning or supervision can put many lives at risk. Road safety should involve both government agencies and the general public working together to report problems early and demand timely repairs.

Community Response And Strength

Despite the fear and confusion, the unity of the community stood out. Local residents helped direct traffic, comforted children and assisted rescue teams. Many people brought water and helped elderly passengers move to safe areas. Volunteers stayed on the scene for hours guiding confused drivers who were stuck in long queues. This spirit of cooperation helped ease some of the stress during the crisis and showed how communities can come together during difficult moments.

Looking Toward Safer Roads

As the repair work progresses, people hope the incident will bring real change. The NH-66 collapse should act as a turning point for officials to review all major roads more carefully. With better planning, stronger materials, proper drainage and regular checks, such incidents can be prevented. The public expects clear steps and visible improvement in the coming days. This event has reminded everyone that road safety is not just a responsibility but a necessity for protecting lives and ensuring smooth daily movement across the region.