Mangaluru: Highway patrol police and local youths earned public appreciation after swiftly clearing a large quantity of gravel that had spilled onto National Highway 66 (NH 66) at the Surathkal junction, preventing several potential accidents.
Quick action by police and locals
According to reports, Head Constable Mahantesh Kilari (HC 421) and driver Anand Meti (APC 2542), who were on highway patrol duty, noticed a significant amount of gravel scattered across the highway. The gravel had spilled from a truck transporting jelly stones, covering nearly 100 metres of the road.
Recognising the imminent risk to commuters, the police immediately sought help from 5–6 youths working in nearby shops. Together, they began clearing the debris to ensure the road remained safe for traffic.
Volume of debris and cleanup process
The gravel, estimated at around 10 baskets in volume, posed a serious threat to vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, which could have lost control on the uneven surface. The team worked efficiently to gather the gravel, ensuring that both lanes were cleared for uninterrupted traffic flow.
Once the gravel was collected, a vehicle from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was called to load and transport the debris, ensuring it was safely removed from the highway.
Public appreciation and commendation
The swift response by the highway patrol staff and local youths drew widespread praise from the public. Commuters and residents lauded their alertness and teamwork, highlighting the importance of quick thinking in preventing potential road accidents.
Local authorities have reminded transporters to secure loads properly to avoid similar incidents in the future. They also emphasised that citizens and commuters should immediately report any hazards on highways to prevent mishaps.
The NH 66, a key artery connecting Mangaluru to other parts of Karnataka and Kerala, often witnesses heavy traffic, including commercial vehicles. The timely intervention of police and local residents has been credited with averting multiple potential accidents that could have involved private and commercial vehicles.
Road safety awareness
This incident underscores the significance of community involvement in road safety. Prompt reporting and immediate action can drastically reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Authorities have urged local residents to remain vigilant and support law enforcement in maintaining road safety.
With the gravel cleared, normal traffic resumed without any reported injuries or vehicle damage. Such cooperation between police and citizens serves as a model for proactive safety measures on highways across the country.