Mangaluru: A 47-year-old man lost his life after being hit by a train near the Thokkottu overbridge in Ullal on Wednesday, in a tragic incident that has once again raised concerns over safety along railway tracks in the coastal region.
The deceased has been identified as Kiran (47), a resident of Kumpala Lakshmigudde. According to initial reports, he was sitting close to the railway track when a passing train struck him.
Incident near Thokkottu overbridge
The mishap occurred near the Thokkottu overbridge, a busy stretch that connects several residential and commercial areas. Local residents reported hearing a loud sound as the train passed through the section in the afternoon.
Preliminary information suggests that Kiran was seated dangerously close to the railway line at the time of the incident. It is suspected that he may not have anticipated the speed or proximity of the approaching train.
Railway police sources said the train driver could not stop in time after noticing the man near the track, as trains require considerable distance to come to a halt. The impact proved fatal, and Kiran died on the spot.
Railway police inspection
Personnel from the railway police station rushed to the scene soon after receiving information about the accident. The area was cordoned off to prevent crowding, and an inspection was carried out.
During the preliminary inquiry, officials recovered a mobile phone from the deceased’s pocket. Using the phone and other details available, the police were able to confirm his identity as Kiran from Kumpala Lakshmigudde.
His family members were informed about the tragic incident, following which they arrived at the location. The body was later shifted for post-mortem examination as per legal procedure.
Case registered, probe underway
A case has been registered at the railway police station, and further investigation is in progress to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the mishap. Authorities are examining whether it was an accidental death or if other factors contributed to the incident.
Officials have appealed to the public to avoid sitting, walking, or trespassing near railway tracks, emphasising that such areas are highly dangerous. They noted that even a moment of negligence can result in irreversible consequences.
Safety concerns persist
Incidents involving pedestrians near railway tracks have been reported periodically in coastal Karnataka. Railway authorities have repeatedly urged citizens to use designated crossings and overbridges instead of taking shortcuts across tracks.
The stretch near Thokkottu overbridge is frequently used by local residents, and officials have indicated that awareness campaigns may be intensified to prevent further tragedies.
The sudden death of Kiran has left his family and neighbours in shock. As the investigation continues, authorities have reiterated the importance of exercising extreme caution near railway lines to avoid similar mishaps in the future.