Bantwal: A woman pedestrian sustained injuries after the rear wheel of a moving container lorry detached and struck her near the busy B C Road junction in Bantwal on Saturday. The incident occurred on the national highway, prompting police to register a case and begin an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The injured woman was identified as Precilla, who was walking along the roadside when the detached wheel hit her.
Wheel detaches from moving lorry
According to preliminary information, the container lorry, bearing an out-of-state registration, was travelling on the highway when one of its rear wheels suddenly came off while the vehicle was in motion.
The detached wheel rolled towards the roadside and struck the pedestrian, causing her to sustain injuries.
The exact cause of the wheel detaching is under investigation.
Woman rushed to hospital
Following the incident, bystanders and motorists rushed to assist the injured woman.
Precilla was shifted to a private hospital in Mangaluru, where she is undergoing treatment.
Her condition has not been officially disclosed.
The timely response of members of the public helped ensure that she received immediate medical attention.
Negligence suspected
It has been alleged that the wheel came off due to the driver’s negligence, although the police are yet to confirm the exact reason behind the incident.
Investigators are expected to examine the mechanical condition of the vehicle and verify whether proper maintenance and safety checks had been carried out before the lorry was operated on the highway.
Officials may also inspect the vehicle’s documents and maintenance records as part of the investigation.
Police register case
The Bantwal Traffic Police have registered a case in connection with the accident and initiated further investigation.
Police are collecting evidence from the scene and recording statements to determine the sequence of events.
Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Road safety concerns highlighted
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, particularly for heavy commercial vehicles operating on highways.
Mechanical failures such as detached wheels can pose serious risks not only to motorists but also to pedestrians and other road users.
Authorities continue to stress the need for transport operators to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and undergo periodic inspections to prevent such accidents.