A potentially severe accident was narrowly avoided near Canara Bank in Parkala when a city bus traveling from Udupi to Bairanje suddenly reversed after the driver experienced chest pain. Demonstrating remarkable quick thinking under pressure, the driver swerved the bus to the right, bringing it to a halt near a drainage ditch and thereby preventing a catastrophic accident.
The incident occurred on an incline, adding to the difficulty of the situation. As the driver began to feel chest pain, he lost control of the vehicle, causing it to reverse down the asphalt road. Fortunately, there were no vehicles trailing behind, which prevented any collisions or further accidents. Passengers on the bus recounted the tense moments, praising the driver’s swift actions in averting disaster.
Following the incident, the driver was immediately transported to Manipal Hospital for medical attention. His prompt medical care highlights the community’s rapid response in such emergencies. The passengers, though shaken, were grateful for the driver’s quick thinking, which ensured their safety.
This incident has brought to light the need for better road safety measures in the area. Recently, municipal officers had cleaned up spilled cement from a ready-made cement truck in the same vicinity, prompting public concerns about the narrow Kelaparkala road. Residents are now questioning when road widening measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the aftermath of the incident, Manipal police made concerted efforts to pull the bus back onto the road. However, the vehicle remained stuck for about an hour, causing a significant traffic jam. This delay underscored the necessity for improved infrastructure and emergency response strategies to ensure that such near-misses do not escalate into tragic accidents in the future.
The community’s swift response and the driver’s quick thinking played crucial roles in averting what could have been a disastrous event, emphasizing the importance of readiness and presence of mind in emergency situations.
