In an unusual and startling incident on the Chattanchal–Deli road near Bendichal, a 50-year-old auto rickshaw driver was injured after an owl unexpectedly landed on his shoulder, causing him to lose control of his vehicle and crash into an electric pole.
Driver injured after sudden owl encounter
The injured driver, Yusuf, a resident of Talangare, was returning to Kasargod after dropping a passenger at Bendichal when the incident occurred. The owl reportedly swooped down without warning and perched on his shoulder, startling him mid-drive.
Losing control of the auto rickshaw, Yusuf veered off the road and collided with an electric pole. He sustained injuries in the impact and was immediately admitted to hospital for treatment.
Vehicle suffers heavy damage
The front portion of the auto rickshaw was badly damaged in the crash. Local residents rushed to the spot upon hearing the sound of the collision and assisted in shifting Yusuf to hospital.
Authorities noted that while animal-related road incidents are common in rural belts, such an encounter involving an owl landing directly on a driver is extremely rare.