Daijiworld Media Network - Kadaba

Kadaba, June 16: In a horrific accident that occurred early Monday, June 16 morning on National Highway 75 at Lavathadka near Nelyadi, one person died on the spot and over 18 others were injured.

A private bus bound for Bengaluru from Karkala via Dharmasthala rammed into the rear of a lorry that was parked on the roadside transporting a Hitachi machine. The accident occurred at Lavathadka, and there were around 30 passengers on board the bus.

Among the injured, Shankaranarayana Bhat (41), a resident of Padumane in Karkala, succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital. Five passengers sustained serious injuries and were immediately shifted to A J Hospital in Mangaluru, while four others were taken to Indian Hospital. Some of the injured were also taken to Puttur Hospital by ambulance. Police from Nelyadi outpost visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Rising highway accidents in recent times

KSRTC bus-lorry collision
In a similar incident on May 16, a KSRTC bus travelling from Bengaluru to Dharmasthala collided with a lorry heading from Mangaluru to Bengaluru at a dangerous curve near Gundya on the Mangaluru–Bengaluru highway, leaving four people injured.

The accident occurred around 100 metres from Gundya town when both vehicles lost control at a sharp turn and collided head-on, severely damaging their front portions.

Traffic disruption
Following the accident, traffic came to a complete standstill for two hours, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. Vehicles were lined up for nearly 10 km on both sides. Since it was a Sunday, many devotees headed to Dharmasthala and Subrahmanya were caught in the jam.

Crane delay and public anger
Due to the delay in vehicle clearance by KSRTC authorities, passengers pooled money to hire a local crane service. This sparked public outrage against KSRTC. Nelyadi police rushed to the spot and helped ease the traffic congestion.