Mangaluru: A dramatic accident occurred on Saturday afternoon near Ekkur on National Highway 66 when a lorry carrying wooden planks overturned while on its way to Talapady.
Reckless driving leads to mishap
According to eyewitnesses, the mishap was the result of overspeeding and reckless driving. The driver reportedly lost control of the heavy vehicle mid-way, causing it to topple and spill its load onto the highway.
The overturned lorry came to rest across a section of the road, creating a hazardous situation for other vehicles passing through the busy route.
Driver escapes unhurt
In what police described as a fortunate turn of events, the driver survived the crash with only minor injuries. He was given first aid and later discharged. Authorities noted that the accident could easily have had a fatal outcome, considering the size and load of the vehicle.
Traffic disruption on NH-66
The accident led to severe traffic congestion on National Highway 66, a key route linking Mangaluru to southern towns. Long queues of vehicles formed as motorists struggled to navigate around the blockage. Commuters expressed frustration over the delays, particularly as the incident occurred during peak travel hours.
Police and highway patrol teams arrived on the scene quickly to manage traffic flow and coordinate clearance operations. Efforts to remove the overturned lorry and restore smooth traffic movement were initiated soon after the mishap.
Conclusion
The Ekkur accident once again highlights the dangers of overspeeding and rash driving on national highways. Authorities have urged drivers, especially of heavy vehicles, to exercise caution to prevent such potentially disastrous incidents.