Mangaluru: A private express bus carrying 35 passengers narrowly escaped a major accident after crashing into a cement barricade near the under-construction toll plaza at Sooralpadi on the Mangaluru–Moodbidri stretch of National Highway 169 on Sunday. The collision left the front portion of the bus badly damaged, while the driver and one or two passengers sustained minor injuries.
The accident occurred when the bus, which was travelling from Karkala to Mangaluru, reportedly swerved to avoid a collision with a tipper lorry. Thanks to the timely response of local residents and the relatively low impact on passengers, the incident did not result in any serious casualties.
Bus swerves to avoid tipper lorry
According to preliminary information, the express bus was proceeding towards Mangaluru from Karkala when it reached Sooralpadi near the under-construction toll plaza on NH-169.
A tipper lorry travelling ahead is said to have suddenly turned left, leaving the bus driver with little time to react. In an attempt to avoid crashing into the heavy vehicle, the driver steered the bus sharply to the right.
The evasive manoeuvre prevented a direct collision with the lorry but caused the bus to ram into roadside cement barricades placed near the construction site.
Front of bus badly damaged
The impact of the collision severely damaged the front portion of the bus, leaving the vehicle partially crushed. Despite the extent of the damage, all 35 passengers on board escaped with their lives.
The driver suffered minor injuries, while one or two passengers also sustained slight injuries in the accident. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported.
The incident caused concern among passengers, who were shaken by the sudden crash but were safely evacuated from the damaged vehicle.
Locals rush to help injured
Residents living near the accident site immediately rushed to assist the passengers and the injured driver.
They provided first aid before shifting the injured persons to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Their prompt response ensured that those with injuries received timely care.
Traffic in the area was briefly affected as rescue efforts were carried out and the damaged bus remained at the accident spot.
Police begin investigation
Personnel from the Bajpe Police Station visited the scene soon after receiving information about the accident.
The police inspected the damaged bus, gathered preliminary details and initiated an investigation to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the collision.
Officials are expected to examine statements from the bus driver, passengers and other witnesses, besides verifying whether road conditions, construction activity or the movement of the tipper lorry contributed to the accident.
Safety concerns near construction zone
The accident has once again drawn attention to safety around the under-construction toll plaza on National Highway 169, where motorists are required to navigate temporary barricades and changing traffic patterns.
Road users have urged authorities and contractors to ensure adequate warning signs, proper traffic management and safe diversions to minimise the risk of accidents in the construction zone.
The bus was carrying 35 passengers at the time of the incident, all of whom escaped what could have been a far more serious mishap. Police investigations are continuing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident.