Mangaluru: A serious road accident involving a private bus and a lorry at Bellibettu near Gurupura on April 8 left both drivers critically injured, while passengers escaped with minor injuries. The incident occurred at a sharp curve, once again highlighting safety concerns on accident-prone stretches in the region.
Collision at sharp curve
According to initial reports, the private bus was travelling from Mangaluru to Karkala when it collided head-on with a lorry heading towards Mangaluru. The accident took place at a bend in Bellibettu, where visibility is limited, increasing the risk of collisions.
The impact of the crash was severe, leaving the front portions of both vehicles completely mangled. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered across the road and both drivers trapped inside the crushed cabins.
Drivers rescued using gas cutters
Local residents were the first to respond, rushing to the accident site and initiating rescue efforts even before emergency services could arrive. As both drivers were stuck inside their vehicles, rescuers used gas cutters to slice through the twisted metal and extricate them.
The operation required coordinated effort and precision, as the victims had sustained serious injuries. Once freed, both drivers were immediately shifted to a private hospital in Mangaluru, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Their condition is reported to be critical.
Passengers travelling on the bus sustained only minor injuries and were provided first aid at the scene.
Exemplary honesty amid chaos
Amid the confusion and urgency of the rescue operation, an act of integrity stood out. A local resident, Rafiq, discovered a bag containing approximately Rs 6 lakh in cash among the wreckage of the bus.
Without hesitation, Rafiq handed over the cash to the police personnel present at the scene, ensuring that it could be returned to its rightful owner. His action drew appreciation from officials and the public alike.
Balakrishna, Circle Inspector of Bajpe police station, confirmed the recovery of the cash and commended Rafiq’s honesty, calling it exemplary, especially in a situation marked by panic and disorder.
Community-led rescue effort
The rescue operation was largely carried out by local residents, including Rafiq, Shivaram, Rauf, Fazil, and others, who played a crucial role in saving the trapped drivers. Their quick response significantly reduced the time taken to reach the injured victims.
Such instances underline the importance of community participation during emergencies, particularly in areas where immediate professional rescue support may take time to arrive.
Police action and investigation
The Bajpe police visited the accident site, conducted an inspection, and registered a case to investigate the circumstances leading to the collision. Authorities are likely to examine factors such as speed, road conditions, and visibility at the curve.
Officials have reiterated the need for cautious driving, especially on sharp bends and narrow stretches, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The Bellibettu accident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by high-speed driving on curved roads, but also highlights the positive role of local communities in crisis situations. While two drivers continue to battle critical injuries, the swift rescue efforts and Rafiq’s act of honesty have brought a measure of hope amid the tragedy.