Puttur: A car caught fire after crashing into a roadside culvert near Kanchana Cross at Neerakatte on National Highway 75 on Friday, January 30, in an incident that could have turned fatal. The occupants of the vehicle, a young man and a young woman, narrowly escaped with minor injuries.

Accident amid ongoing four-laning work

The incident occurred on a stretch of NH 75 where four-laning work is currently underway. As part of the highway expansion project, construction of a new road is in progress alongside the existing highway. Due to the ongoing works, vehicular traffic in the area has been diverted to the old highway, leading to altered traffic patterns and narrower driving space.

According to preliminary information, the car was travelling from Hassan towards Uppinangady when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle near Kanchana Cross at Neerakatte. The car veered onto the opposite side of the road and rammed into a roadside culvert that had been constructed as part of the new highway works.

Local residents said that the stretch has become accident-prone in recent weeks due to diversions, inadequate signage and uneven road surfaces caused by construction activity.

Vehicle bursts into flames

Soon after the impact, flames were seen rising from the engine compartment of the car. Within moments, the vehicle was engulfed in fire, causing panic among passers-by and nearby residents.

Despite the sudden blaze, the occupants of the car managed to get out of the vehicle in time. Eyewitnesses said that the young man and woman escaped just seconds before the fire intensified. They sustained minor injuries and were reportedly treated at a nearby medical facility.

The timely escape of the occupants prevented what could have been a tragic accident, especially considering the intensity of the fire that followed the crash.

Fire tender rushes to spot

On receiving information about the incident, a fire tender from Puttur was rushed to the spot. Fire personnel worked swiftly to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading further.

Although the fire was extinguished, the front portion of the car was completely gutted, resulting in extensive damage to the vehicle. The impact of the crash and the subsequent fire left the car beyond repair, officials said.

Traffic on the highway was temporarily disrupted as fire services and local authorities carried out firefighting operations and cleared the damaged vehicle from the road.

Concerns over road safety

The incident has once again raised concerns over road safety on NH 75, particularly in areas where construction and four-laning work are in progress. Frequent diversions, reduced visibility at night, and the presence of construction-related structures close to the carriageway have been cited as potential hazards by commuters.

Motorists using the highway have urged authorities and contractors to install clearer warning signs, improve lighting, and ensure better safety measures to prevent accidents during the construction phase.

Police have registered a case and are investigating the exact cause of the accident. They have also appealed to drivers to exercise caution and reduce speed while passing through construction zones.

Narrow escape highlights risks

The narrow escape of the car occupants has underscored the risks associated with driving through active highway construction areas. Officials said that adherence to speed limits and alert driving are crucial to avoid accidents on such stretches.

As four-laning work on NH 75 continues, authorities have reiterated the need for enhanced safety protocols to ensure the protection of road users until the project is completed.