A tragic road accident in the early hours of Saturday claimed three lives and left six others critically injured after an Innova car lost control and crashed into the Narayana Guru Circle at BC Road in Bantwal, around 20 km from Mangaluru. The vehicle was travelling from Bengaluru to Mangaluru on National Highway 75 when the driver reportedly lost control upon reaching the busy junction, leading to the fatal impact.
Three Bengaluru residents among the deceased
According to police, the nine occupants of the car belonged to a single family returning to Mangaluru. The collision proved fatal for three passengers — Ravi (64), Nanjamma (75) and Ramya (23), all residents of Bengaluru. They succumbed to their injuries shortly after the crash.
Their bodies were later shifted for post-mortem examinations as part of the ongoing investigation.
Six others critically injured
The remaining six passengers — Sushila, Keerthi Kumar, Kiran, Bindu, Prashanth and the driver, Subrahmanya — sustained severe injuries. All of them were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are undergoing intensive treatment. Hospital authorities stated that their condition remains critical, and they are being monitored closely.
Police register case under BNS provisions
Bantwal Traffic Police have registered a case under Sections 281, 125A and 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Preliminary investigations suggest that overspeeding and loss of control may have led to the accident.
Police are also examining CCTV footage from the intersection and will record statements from the survivors once their condition stabilises.
Busy junction sees repeated accidents
The Narayana Guru Circle at BC Road is a prominent junction that witnesses heavy vehicle movement throughout the day. Locals say that the spot has seen multiple accidents in recent years, often attributed to speeding vehicles negotiating the curve. Many residents have called for additional safety measures, including rumble strips and enhanced signage.
Community mourns the loss
The accident has left the local community in shock, with residents and passersby assisting authorities in rescue efforts immediately after the crash. The victims, all from the same family, were reportedly travelling to Mangaluru for a family function.
Police have urged motorists to exercise caution, especially during early morning hours when visibility is lower and long-distance drivers are more prone to fatigue.
Conclusion
As investigations continue, authorities have reiterated the importance of road safety and strict adherence to speed limits on national highways. The incident serves as another reminder of the devastating consequences of accidents at high-speed junctions, prompting renewed calls for road engineering improvements and responsible driving.