Karkala: A 73-year-old daily-wage worker died after a Swift car allegedly hit him near Kodimaru bus stop in Mulladka village of Karkala taluk on Saturday evening. The victim, identified as Vasantha Moolya, was returning home after completing his work when the accident occurred.
According to the complaint, the car was allegedly being driven at high speed and in a negligent manner when it hit the pedestrian. Vasantha sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Karkala Government Hospital, but doctors confirmed that he had died by the time he reached the hospital.
Karkala Rural Police have registered a case based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s relative, Pradeep Moolya, and are investigating the circumstances of the accident.
Accident occurs near Kodimaru
The accident reportedly took place near the Kodimaru bus stop in Mulladka village, within the limits of Karkala Rural Police Station.
Vasantha Moolya, a resident of Kodimaru in Bellan, was reportedly returning home after finishing his daily-wage work when the car struck him.
The impact caused him to fall onto the road and suffer severe injuries to his face, hands, legs and head, according to the complaint cited in reports.
The Udayavani report said the incident occurred near the Kodimaru bus stop and that negligent driving by the car driver was cited as the cause in the complaint.
Victim dies despite emergency treatment
Following the collision, Vasantha was immediately taken towards Karkala Government Hospital for medical attention.
However, his injuries were critical. Doctors reportedly confirmed his death either while he was being transported or by the time he reached the hospital.
The death has left the victim’s family and relatives in shock, particularly as he had been returning home after completing his day’s work.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by pedestrians travelling along roads in rural and semi-urban areas, where vehicles can often travel at considerable speed.
Complaint alleges high-speed, negligent driving
The complaint filed by Pradeep Moolya alleges that the Swift car was being driven at excessive speed and in a negligent manner before it struck Vasantha.
These details form part of the complaint and the police investigation. The exact circumstances leading to the collision will be established through the investigation.
Police are expected to examine the circumstances of the crash and collect relevant evidence as part of the case.
At this stage, the allegation of negligent and high-speed driving should not be treated as a final determination of the driver’s culpability.
Karkala Rural Police investigate
The Karkala Rural Police have registered a case following the complaint and are continuing their investigation.
The investigation is expected to establish how the accident occurred, the circumstances in which the car approached the pedestrian and the events immediately following the collision.
Police may also examine available evidence from the accident spot and record statements from people who witnessed the incident.
The investigation will determine the legal course of action based on the evidence collected.
Accident raises pedestrian safety concerns
The incident has also brought attention to pedestrian safety on roads around Karkala.
People walking home after work, particularly elderly residents and daily-wage workers, can be vulnerable when travelling along roads with fast-moving traffic.
Bus stops and roadside stretches can be particularly risky when vehicles do not maintain appropriate speeds or when pedestrian movement is not adequately separated from traffic.
The Kodimaru incident has therefore renewed concerns about the need for motorists to exercise caution in areas where pedestrians frequently cross or walk along the road.
Family faces loss of elderly breadwinner
For Vasantha Moolya’s family, the accident has resulted in a sudden and tragic loss.
The 73-year-old had reportedly completed his day’s wage work before beginning his journey home. The fatal collision occurred during that return journey.
His death has added to concerns over road safety for workers and elderly pedestrians who depend on walking or roadside transport routes to travel between their homes and workplaces.
Police probe continues
The Karkala Rural Police investigation will now focus on establishing the sequence of events surrounding the collision.
While the complaint attributes the accident to the alleged negligence and speed of the car driver, the police investigation will determine the circumstances based on evidence and witness statements.
The case is currently under investigation, and further details may emerge as police complete their inquiry.
Karkala accident claims another pedestrian life
The death of 73-year-old Vasantha Moolya has brought attention to the dangers pedestrians face on busy roads in Karkala taluk.
He was reportedly returning home after work when the Swift car hit him near Kodimaru. Despite being rushed for medical treatment, he could not be saved.
With Karkala Rural Police investigating the case, the circumstances surrounding the crash and the allegations of negligent driving will be examined as part of the legal process.