Puttur: In a major road accident reported near Uppinangady on Thursday evening, a car travelling towards Pattur in Kokkada lost control and plunged nearly 70 feet into a deep roadside gorge at Panjala along the Mangaluru-Bengaluru National Highway. The car was carrying Prashanth Deraje, a resident of Deraje in Patrame village and coordinator of Pattur Shriram Educational Institution, along with his brother Praveen Deraje.
According to preliminary reports, the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle while travelling on the highway, causing the car to veer off the road and tumble down the steep embankment near the riverside. The accident occurred in a dangerous stretch of the highway known for sharp curves and deep roadside slopes.
Vehicle falls into deep gorge
Eyewitnesses stated that the car suddenly swerved off the road before crashing through the roadside edge and rolling down the gorge. Locals who heard the loud sound of the impact rushed to the spot and immediately alerted emergency services and nearby residents.
The vehicle reportedly suffered extensive damage after rolling down the rocky slope. Despite the severity of the accident and the depth of the gorge, both occupants are said to have survived the fall. Passers-by and local residents played a key role in the initial rescue efforts before official teams arrived at the scene.
The accident created panic among motorists travelling along the national highway, with several vehicles slowing down near the accident site. Traffic movement in the area remained partially affected for some time as rescue operations were carried out.
Rescue operation launched
Local residents, along with emergency responders, undertook a difficult rescue operation due to the steep terrain and challenging access to the gorge. Rescue personnel reportedly used ropes and other equipment to reach the damaged vehicle and safely bring the injured occupants back to the roadside.
Prashanth Deraje and his brother Praveen Deraje were later shifted to a nearby hospital for medical examination and treatment. Sources said they sustained injuries in the accident, though the exact nature and severity of the injuries are yet to be officially confirmed.
The quick response from local people and rescue teams is believed to have helped prevent a major tragedy. Several residents in the region have raised concerns over road safety measures along the highway, especially in stretches with steep drops and sharp bends.
Concerns over highway safety
The Mangaluru-Bengaluru National Highway has witnessed multiple accidents over the years, particularly during adverse weather conditions and in sections with difficult terrain. Residents have often demanded stronger barricades, warning signs, and improved safety infrastructure in vulnerable stretches to prevent vehicles from plunging into nearby valleys and riverside gorges.
Road safety experts point out that overspeeding, driver fatigue, and sudden loss of control are among the common causes of accidents on hilly highway routes. Authorities are expected to examine the exact reason behind the latest incident and determine whether mechanical failure, road conditions, or driver error contributed to the crash.
Police are also likely to record statements from the victims and witnesses as part of the investigation. Further details regarding the condition of the injured persons are awaited.
The incident once again highlights the risks faced by motorists travelling through ghat and riverside highway stretches, underlining the need for increased caution and enhanced road safety measures.