Mangaluru: Two persons travelling in a car escaped without injuries after a lorry collided with their vehicle at the notorious Angaragudde curve near Kenchanakere on the Kinnigoli–Mulki State Highway on Tuesday.
The accident occurred when the car, which was heading towards Udupi from Kaikamba, was struck by a lorry travelling in the opposite direction towards Kinnigoli. The collision took place at the sharp Angaragudde bend, a stretch known for frequent traffic accidents due to its challenging road geometry and heavy vehicular movement.
Although the impact caused considerable damage to the car, the occupants escaped unharmed, preventing what could have been a more serious incident.
Collision at dangerous highway bend
According to reports, the car was proceeding along the Kinnigoli–Mulki State Highway towards Udupi when it reached the Angaragudde curve near Kenchanakere. At the same time, a lorry travelling towards Kinnigoli approached the bend from the opposite direction.
The vehicles collided at the curve, resulting in visible damage to the car. Eyewitnesses stated that the impact caused a brief commotion at the scene as both vehicles came to a halt on the roadway.
The Angaragudde bend has long been considered a vulnerable accident-prone location, with motorists often urged to exercise caution while navigating the stretch.
Brief altercation disrupts traffic
Following the collision, a brief altercation reportedly broke out among those involved in the accident. The argument attracted the attention of passers-by and temporarily disrupted the movement of vehicles along the busy highway.
Traffic slowed considerably as motorists negotiated the partially blocked road. The incident caused inconvenience to commuters travelling between Kinnigoli, Mulki and surrounding areas during the period of disruption.
Local residents have repeatedly raised concerns about safety at the curve, citing the need for additional precautionary measures, improved signage and stricter adherence to speed regulations.
Police restore normal traffic movement
Personnel from the Mangaluru North Traffic Police arrived at the scene shortly after receiving information about the accident. Officers conducted an inspection of the site and assessed the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The damaged vehicles were subsequently moved away from the roadway to prevent further congestion and ensure the safety of other road users. Following the clearance operation, normal traffic flow was restored along the highway.
Police officials have advised motorists to exercise extra caution while negotiating sharp bends and accident-prone stretches, particularly on busy state highways where heavy vehicles frequently operate.
Concern over recurring accidents
The latest incident has once again drawn attention to the safety challenges posed by the Angaragudde curve. While no injuries were reported in this case, residents and regular commuters believe preventive measures are necessary to minimise the risk of future accidents.
Road safety experts emphasise the importance of maintaining moderate speeds, staying within designated lanes and remaining alert while approaching curves and blind spots. Such precautions can significantly reduce the likelihood of collisions and improve overall road safety.
Conclusion
The collision between a car and a lorry at the Angaragudde curve near Kenchanakere ended without injuries, offering relief to those involved. However, the incident highlights the continuing need for caution on accident-prone stretches of the Kinnigoli–Mulki State Highway and reinforces the importance of safe driving practices.