CIT student killed in car crash in India

A Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) student has died tragically in a car crash in India.

Muthamil Selvan Palanivel was involved in a fatal car accident while visiting his native India last Monday, January 13.

His wife Nisha, his children Siddarth (7 years) and Vaishnavi (1 year) and his mother in law Mallika were also killed in the accident.

The family were en route from Chennai airport to Woraiyur.

Muthamil was a masters student at CIT studying artificial intelligence.

CIT Student Union president Aaron Buckley posted the news on Facebook saying: “It is with deep regret and profound sadness that I am writing this post to inform you all of the death of one of our students Muthamil Selvan Palanivel.

“This is absolutely horrific news for all of us in the CIT community and our thoughts at this time are with all of their family and friends, in what is a deeply distressing and tragic time.” The CIT Student President urged all students to look out for each other after what is the death of a second CIT student in a very short space of time.

“This has been an unprecedented period of tragedy for everyone involved in the CIT community and I am urging everyone to look out for each other in what will be tough times ahead for the family and friends of Muthamil Selvan Palanivel and Cameron Blair.” Mr Buckley said a memorial service will take place next Monday with the Indian Ambassador.

Addressing students that may be affected by the ongoing tragedies that have befallen CIT students, Mr Buckley said: “There is a number of supports, such as counselling available to anyone who is affected by these unthinkable tragedies.

“Any student who is affected by these awful atrocities can email me at any time of the day or night on supresident@cit.ie “Please, look after each during this incredibly tough period.”