Abhilash, 30, Chuttitharayil house, Muthukulam, died when his car collided with a lorry at Kareelakulangara, Kayamkulam, late on Thursday night.
Santhosh, 28, Muthukulam, was admitted to Medical College Hospital, Vandanam, with serious injuries.
Two others, Tintu and Binil suffered minor injuries.
According to Kareelakulangara police, the accident happened on the NH when their car rear-ended a parked lorry near the petrol pump at Kareelakulangara while trying to evade a pothole. Abhilash was driving the car. He had come home on leave from the Gulf, the police said. Santhosh’s condition is serious.