Kozhikode (Keralam) | Two youths were killed and their friend suffered serious injuries after the motorcycle on which they were travelling crashed into an electric post at Thalayad near here, police said on Monday.

The deceased were identified as Ajay Shiju (17) of Unnikulam and Sreerag (18) of Perambra. Their friend Anand, who was riding a pillion, suffered serious head injuries and was admitted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, police said.

According to police, the accident occurred around 8.30 pm on Sunday, when the speeding motorcycle lost control, hit a signboard, and then crashed into an electric post near a toddy shop in Padikkallvayal, Thalayad.

Local residents rushed the three to a hospital, where two of them succumbed to their injuries.

Police suspect that the riders were not wearing helmets.

Balussery police registered a case and launched an investigation.

Police will also probe whether the deceased and the injured youth were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, officials said.

The bodies will be handed over to their relatives after postmortem examinations, police added.