Mangaluru: A lorry transporting a consignment of wheat overturned on the highway near Surathkal on September 2, resulting in the spillage of the load and damage worth several lakh rupees. The incident caused temporary disruption to traffic and drew the attention of local authorities.
Incident details
According to eyewitnesses, the mishap occurred when a car travelling ahead of the lorry slowed down near Suraj Hotel to take a turn. In an attempt to avoid a collision, the lorry driver swerved abruptly, losing control of the vehicle. This led to the lorry toppling onto its side, spilling its entire wheat load across the highway.
Locals rushed to the site immediately, helping to divert traffic and prevent further accidents. The spilled wheat covered a significant stretch of the road, creating obstacles for vehicles travelling in both directions.
Response and clearance
Authorities arrived promptly at the scene to manage the situation. A JCB machine was deployed to clear the overturned lorry and remove the wheat from the road, restoring normal traffic flow. No casualties were reported in the accident, though the driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for precautionary check-up.
Traffic officials urged motorists to drive cautiously in the area, particularly near bends and commercial establishments, to prevent similar mishaps in the future. Local transport authorities are also reportedly examining whether speed and load regulations were followed by the lorry operators.
Financial and logistical impact
The wheat consignment, estimated to be worth several lakh rupees, suffered considerable loss due to the accident. Traders and transporters are assessing the financial damage and insurance claims are expected to be filed soon. The disruption also caused a minor delay for other commercial vehicles on the highway.
Safety reminders
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safe distances on highways and adhering to traffic rules. Experts suggest that drivers of heavy vehicles should receive continuous training on emergency handling and manoeuvring, especially on busy highways.
In conclusion, while the accident caused significant material loss, timely intervention by the authorities prevented any serious injuries. Local residents and motorists are now being advised to exercise caution around the affected stretch until permanent safety measures are reinforced.