Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, May 15: In a tragic road accident involving two lorries near Sajipa on Thursday, a driver lost his life after hot bitumen mixed with gravel fell on him. The fatal mishap occurred near Sajipanadu in Bantwal taluk.

The deceased has been identified as Rafiq (45), a resident of Golipadpu, Sajipanadu. Yusuf, the cleaner in the same lorry, sustained severe injuries as hot bitumen poured over his hands and legs. The other lorry’s driver Rizwan and another individual identified as Alpas were also injured and are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The accident took place at Kanchinadkapadavu, when a lorry carrying red stones was heading towards Sajipanadu. A tipper lorry transporting hot bitumen from behind reportedly collided into it.

The impact of the crash was so intense that both tipper lorries overturned and fell into a nearby areca plantation situated at a lower elevation beside the road.

The hot bitumen mixed with gravel stored in the tipper spilled over the driver of the red stone-laden lorry, causing serious burns. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Mangaluru, but despite medical efforts, he succumbed to the burns. Rafiq was pronounced dead due to severe burns from the hot tar.

Yusuf, the cleaner who was with Rafiq, also suffered serious injuries as the hot bitumen fell on him. He is currently receiving medical treatment.

Melkar traffic sub-inspector Suthesh visited the accident spot and has registered a case in connection with the incident.