Sullia: A scooter rider sustained serious injuries after reportedly losing control of his vehicle and plunging off the Kukkumbala bridge near Peraje into a stream below on the night of February 14. The injured man was rescued and later admitted to a hospital in Mangaluru for treatment. The incident has once again triggered concern among residents about the lack of safety barricades at the accident-prone bridge.
Accident occurred while returning home
According to available information, the injured has been identified as Ravichandra Naik, son of Anjikkar Sundar Naik. The accident reportedly took place at around 8 pm when he was returning home on his scooter after travelling from town.
Preliminary accounts suggest that he lost control of the vehicle while crossing the bridge. With no effective side barricades or guard rails in place, both the rider and the scooter fell off the structure into the stream below.
Passersby and local residents who noticed the fall immediately rushed to the spot and alerted others. A rescue effort was carried out with the help of local people, who managed to bring the injured rider up from the stream area.
He was initially given first aid locally and later shifted to a higher medical centre for advanced treatment due to the seriousness of his injuries.
Locals cite repeated accidents at same location
Residents in the area say this is not the first such accident reported at the same bridge. They pointed out that an earlier incident involved an auto-rickshaw that fell from the bridge after the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle.
According to locals, the bridge has long been considered risky, especially during night hours and in poor visibility conditions. They claim that the absence of protective barricades or proper guard walls along the edges significantly increases the danger for motorists.
Some residents say that two-wheelers and light vehicles are particularly vulnerable at the crossing because even a minor skid, sudden swerve, or misjudgment of edge distance can lead to a vehicle going off the side.
They added that despite repeated complaints and informal representations in the past, permanent safety measures have not yet been installed.
Demand for barricades and warning systems
Following the latest incident, residents have renewed their demand for immediate preventive infrastructure at the bridge. Suggested measures include the installation of strong side barricades, reflective markers, warning signboards, and speed-calming features near the approach.
Locals also stressed the need for proper lighting in and around the stretch to improve night-time visibility. According to them, poor illumination combined with open edges makes the crossing especially hazardous after dark.
Community members say that temporary caution boards alone are not sufficient and that engineered safety barriers are necessary to prevent vehicles from going over the side in case of driver error.
They have urged elected representatives and concerned department officials to conduct a site inspection and take up urgent repair and safety work before another serious mishap occurs.
Call for official inspection and action
Residents’ groups have stated that bridges and culvert crossings in rural and semi-rural belts must be periodically audited for safety compliance. They argue that traffic volume has increased over the years, but supporting safety infrastructure has not kept pace.
They are calling for a technical review by the appropriate engineering department, along with time-bound action to install guard rails and strengthen the edges of the bridge.
Road safety observers note that many such incidents can be prevented through relatively low-cost interventions such as steel railings, concrete side walls, reflective paint, rumble strips, and hazard signage.
Condition of injured rider under treatment
Sources indicate that the injured rider suffered multiple injuries in the fall and is under medical care. Doctors are monitoring his condition, and further updates are awaited.
The latest mishap has reinforced public concern about infrastructure gaps at vulnerable road points. Residents say preventive steps taken now could avert a future tragedy and ensure safer travel for daily commuters.