Motorcyclist killed in truck collision near Balaipade Junction in Udupi

Udupi: A tragic road accident claimed the life of a 43-year-old motorcyclist, identified as Suresh, after a truck collided with his two-wheeler near Balaipade Junction in Korangrapadi village, along NH-66, on Monday evening.

According to police reports, the accident occurred when Jagadish, the truck driver, was travelling from Katpadi towards Udupi. Driving recklessly, he allegedly swerved to the extreme left side of the road. At the same time, Suresh was also heading in the same direction on his motorcycle. The truck collided with the bike, causing Suresh to lose control and fall onto the road.

Victim succumbed to head injuries

Eyewitnesses reported that the collision was severe, throwing Suresh and his motorcycle onto the road. He sustained a grievous head injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital. However, doctors declared him brought dead.

Police confirmed that Suresh had already succumbed to his injuries before medical attention could be administered. The tragic accident left local residents in shock, as Suresh was known in the community as a hardworking individual and a family man.

Case registered against truck driver

The Udupi Traffic Police registered a case under Sections 281 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS) 2023. The sections pertain to rash driving endangering human life and causing death by negligence.

The accused truck driver, Jagadish, has been booked for his alleged reckless driving that led to the fatal accident. Police sources indicated that he will face legal proceedings and be summoned for questioning in connection with the case.

Reckless driving on NH-66 under spotlight

The accident has once again brought attention to the issue of reckless driving on NH-66, a busy highway that connects several towns and cities along the coastal belt of Karnataka. Locals complain that heavy vehicles often ply at high speeds, ignoring traffic rules, and creating risks for two-wheeler riders and pedestrians.

Residents of Korangrapadi expressed their frustration, pointing out that accidents have become frequent in the area. “The authorities must enforce stricter monitoring of trucks and heavy vehicles on this stretch. Otherwise, innocent lives will continue to be lost,” said a local shopkeeper near Balaipade Junction.

Call for preventive measures

The accident has reignited discussions around the urgent need for improved road safety measures in Udupi district. Citizens are demanding:

• Regular patrolling of highways by traffic police.

Traffic experts have stressed that without consistent enforcement of rules, highways like NH-66 will continue to remain accident-prone.

Community mourns victim

Suresh’s death has left his family and community in mourning. Friends and neighbours described him as a dedicated man who supported his household with his hard work. His untimely demise has created a void that will be difficult to fill.

Funeral arrangements are being made by the family, and several locals have extended their condolences. Many have also expressed their anger at the reckless behaviour of truck drivers that frequently puts motorcyclists at risk.

Authorities urged to act

This accident highlights the urgent responsibility of both the authorities and highway users. While the police have registered a case against the truck driver, residents argue that stronger measures are required to prevent further tragedies.

Unless systemic changes are implemented in traffic enforcement and road management, fatal accidents like this are likely to continue. Madhavi’s recent pothole-related death in Mangaluru and now Suresh’s accident in Udupi underline a growing road safety crisis in coastal Karnataka.

The case has been handed over to the Udupi Traffic Police for further investigation, and officials have assured that justice will be pursued for the deceased and his family.