We have often come across several videos from Kerala where people make way for emergency vehicles. Such videos are widely praised on the internet and often go viral. However, we have now come across a video where a vehicle is seen blocking the path of an emergency vehicle. The video was recorded by officials travelling in the emergency vehicle, and the authorities have now seized the car as well. The video of the incident has also surfaced online.
The video seen here has been shared by multiple news channels and social media profiles. The incident took place in Kerala’s Alappuzha district. A fire broke out at a government hospital in the Thuravoor region. The fire and rescue department was called for help, and multiple fire tenders were dispatched to the location.
The video was recorded from one of the fire tenders responding to the emergency. While the truck was on its way, the driver noticed a Maruti Fronx blocking their path near Ponnamveli in Pattanakad. As seen in the video, both the car and the fire tender were being driven on a service road, as highway work is currently underway.
The fire tender was moving quickly with sirens and horns on. Initially, it appeared that the Fronx driver was looking for a gap to give way, but that wasn’t the case. He continued to drive ahead, blocking the fire tender’s path. Despite repeated honking and loud sirens, the driver did not seem to respond.
After blocking the way for several minutes, the Fronx driver finally moved the car to the kerb and allowed the fire tender to pass. The officials in the fire tender recorded the incident, and the vehicle’s registration number was clearly visible in the video. The officers later submitted the footage and filed a complaint at the local police station, which led to further action.
The authorities traced the vehicle owner, identified as Sujith, a native of the Kodamthuruth region in Alappuzha, using the registration number. He was summoned to the police station. The incident occurred on Wednesday, and action was taken on Thursday. After he arrived at the station, the police seized the vehicle, and reports suggest that his driving licence was also suspended.
The owner claimed that he did not hear the siren of the fire engine, which is why he did not give way. The police are currently investigating the matter to determine whether the driver was using a mobile phone or was distracted in some other way, which may have prevented him from hearing the siren.
This is not the first time such an incident has surfaced online. Obstructing the path of an emergency vehicle is illegal in India. Under Section 194E of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, blocking emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire tenders is a serious offence. Violators can face a fine of ₹10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Drivers are required to immediately move to the left and stop to allow such vehicles to pass.
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