Mangaluru: In a tragic road accident near Manur, close to Neermarga in Mangaluru, an auto-rickshaw driver lost his life after a car allegedly driven at high speed collided head-on with his vehicle. The victim has been identified as Kishore Kumar (48), a resident of Adyar Katte, who was travelling towards Neermarga when the incident occurred.
Accident on downhill stretch
According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred on a downhill road section near the Manur temple. A car, reportedly driven by Arfaz Ahmed Afrid, approached from the opposite direction at a dangerously high speed. In an attempt to negotiate the curve, the driver lost control, leading to a direct collision with Kishore’s rickshaw.
The force of the impact was severe, throwing the auto-rickshaw into a roadside ditch. Shockingly, the car came to rest on top of the rickshaw, crushing it almost completely. Locals immediately rushed to the scene to assist the victim and called for medical help.
Victim succumbed to injuries
Kishore sustained grievous head injuries in the crash. Passers-by and locals managed to extricate him from the mangled vehicle and rushed him to Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru. Despite immediate medical attention, doctors declared him brought dead.
Family members of Kishore were inconsolable upon hearing the news. Locals described him as a hardworking and well-known driver who was popular in his neighbourhood for his soft-spoken nature and dedication to work.
Police register case
The Mangaluru South Traffic Police Station has registered a case and initiated an investigation. Preliminary findings indicate reckless and negligent driving as the primary cause of the accident. Police sources mentioned that efforts are underway to gather CCTV footage from nearby establishments to corroborate eyewitness accounts and determine the speed of the vehicle at the time of impact.
Authorities have also sent both vehicles for inspection to assess the damage and understand the mechanics of the collision. Statements from the driver, who reportedly sustained minor injuries, will be recorded after medical evaluation.
Community demands stricter safety measures
The incident has sparked outrage among residents of Manur and Neermarga, who have been urging the authorities to implement stronger safety measures along the downhill stretch where the accident occurred. Local residents allege that vehicles frequently overspeed along this route due to its steep gradient and lack of adequate signage or speed-breakers.
Activists have demanded the installation of warning boards, speed-monitoring devices, and better road engineering to prevent further mishaps. Some locals have suggested that traffic police maintain regular patrols during peak hours to deter rash driving.
A grim reminder
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving on narrow, accident-prone roads. It highlights the need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules, increased public awareness about safe driving, and timely intervention by civic authorities.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to submit a detailed report and initiate legal proceedings against the car driver, ensuring accountability and justice for the victim’s family.