Puttur: A pickup vehicle transporting construction centering materials overturned at Kanaraje in Tekkara village near Puttur on Wednesday, resulting in the death of the driver and injuries to another occupant.
The accident occurred on February 11 when the vehicle reportedly lost control and plunged from an upper stretch of road onto a lower road, causing severe damage to the vehicle and fatal injuries to the driver.
Driver dies on the spot
The deceased has been identified as Hemachandra (32), son of Harishchandra and a resident of Alakke. He was driving the pickup vehicle at the time of the incident. Due to the impact of the fall and the overturn, he suffered grievous injuries and was declared dead at the scene itself.
Local residents and passersby rushed to the spot soon after the accident and alerted authorities. By the time help arrived, Hemachandra had succumbed to his injuries.
Police sources said the force of the crash indicates that the vehicle rolled over after dropping to the lower level road, crushing parts of the cabin and load area.
Co-passenger hospitalised
Another occupant of the vehicle, identified as Ummarabba (51), sustained injuries in the mishap. He was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment after receiving first aid at the scene. His condition is reported to be under medical supervision.
Preliminary information suggests that both men were travelling along with a load of centering and construction support materials meant for building work in the region.
Vehicle was carrying construction materials
The pickup was loaded with centering materials commonly used in construction works, including supports and frames used during slab and concrete laying. The load is suspected to have contributed to the imbalance after the vehicle went off the upper road.
Investigators are examining whether road conditions, vehicle load, mechanical failure or driver visibility issues played a role in the accident. The stretch where the incident occurred reportedly has level differences and turns connecting upper and lower approach roads.
Sole breadwinner of the family
Family sources said Hemachandra was unmarried and the sole breadwinner of his household. His sudden death has left the family in distress. Relatives and villagers gathered after the incident to pay their respects and support the bereaved family.
Locals described him as a regular goods vehicle driver engaged in transporting construction-related materials across nearby towns and villages.
Police register case
Puttur Traffic Police visited the accident site, conducted a spot inspection and arranged for the vehicle to be cleared from the road. A case has been registered at the Puttur Traffic Police Station in connection with the incident.
Officials said further investigation is underway to establish the exact cause of the accident. Statements from the injured passenger and eyewitnesses will be recorded as part of the probe.
Police have also reiterated their advisory to goods vehicle drivers to exercise caution while driving on elevated and uneven rural road stretches, especially when carrying heavy loads.
Conclusion
The fatal accident at Kanaraje highlights the risks associated with transporting heavy construction materials on narrow and level-difference roads. Authorities are continuing their investigation while the local community mourns the loss of a young driver whose death has deeply affected his family.