Kadaba: A pillion rider sustained serious injuries after a tree suddenly fell on a two-wheeler near Manibhand on the Gundya-Sullia State Highway on Wednesday.
The injured man has been identified as Divakar Kodenkiri, a resident of Kodenkiri. He was travelling as a pillion rider on a two-wheeler being ridden by Vinod Hollaru when the tree unexpectedly fell onto the vehicle.
The incident occurred along the busy highway, raising concerns among local residents about the safety of motorists travelling through the stretch.
Locals rush to rescue injured rider
Following the incident, local residents immediately rushed to the spot and helped rescue the injured pillion rider.
Divakar, who suffered serious injuries in the incident, was shifted to a hospital for treatment. He received medical attention following the accident.
The sudden fall of the tree left the two-wheeler and its occupants vulnerable, highlighting the risks posed by trees growing close to roads in areas prone to heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Concern over roadside trees
The incident has renewed concerns among residents over potentially dangerous trees standing along the Gundya-Sullia highway.
Residents said trees growing close to the roadside can pose a serious threat to motorists, particularly when they become weak, diseased or unstable. A tree falling onto a moving vehicle can cause severe injuries and, in more serious circumstances, result in fatalities.
The Manibhand area has now come under particular attention following the incident. Local residents have urged the authorities to conduct a thorough inspection of trees located along the highway and identify those that pose a danger to road users.
Call for preventive action
Residents have called for hazardous trees to be removed before they cause further accidents. They have also urged the authorities to take preventive measures in other vulnerable stretches of the highway.
Regular inspection of roadside trees could help authorities identify trees that have become weak or unstable. Timely pruning or removal of trees found to pose a danger could reduce the risk of similar incidents.
The demand assumes greater significance during the monsoon, when strong winds and saturated soil can increase the risk of trees or branches falling onto roads.
The incident involving Divakar has therefore prompted residents to seek immediate attention to roadside safety around Manibhand.
Safety concerns for motorists
The Gundya-Sullia State Highway serves as an important route for motorists travelling through the region. Any obstruction or hazard along the road can pose a risk to two-wheelers and other vehicles.
Residents said ensuring that roadside trees are safe should be part of routine road maintenance and safety measures. They have appealed to the concerned authorities to inspect the stretch and take appropriate action against trees considered hazardous.
The incident also underlines the importance of prompt response when roadside hazards are identified. Removing dangerous trees before they fall could prevent injuries and protect both motorists and pedestrians.
For now, Divakar is undergoing treatment after being injured when the tree fell on the two-wheeler. The incident has strengthened the call from local residents for authorities to address dangerous roadside trees, particularly around Manibhand, to prevent similar accidents in the future.