Mangaluru: A tragic road accident at Kulur on Tuesday claimed the life of a private hospital employee after her scooter hit a large pothole on the highway.
The deceased has been identified as Madhavi, who was riding her scooter when she lost balance after hitting the pothole. In the fall, she was struck from behind by a fish-laden truck, which fatally ran over her.
Eyewitness account of the accident
According to eyewitnesses, Madhavi lost control of her vehicle after the impact and fell directly onto the road. The truck following her could not stop in time, resulting in her being crushed on the spot. The accident created panic in the busy stretch, with bystanders rushing to alert the police and manage traffic until the situation was brought under control.
Anger over neglected roads
Local residents expressed deep anger over the poor state of the district’s roads, particularly the national highway stretch from Mulki to Pumpwell, which has been riddled with potholes. Despite repeated complaints, residents allege that authorities have failed to undertake permanent repairs.
“Only after lives are lost do officials rush to patch up the roads temporarily. This cycle has gone on for years without real accountability,” one resident said.
A recurring hazard
The Kulur accident is not an isolated case. Motorists across Mangaluru and neighbouring taluks have repeatedly flagged the dangers posed by potholes, which often lead to skidding, collisions, and fatal crashes. Civic activists argue that such accidents are preventable if authorities prioritise proper maintenance and quality roadworks instead of short-term fixes.
Call for urgent action
Residents warned that unless urgent and permanent measures are taken, more innocent lives could be lost to hazardous roads. Several have demanded that the district administration and highway authorities take immediate responsibility for improving the stretch and holding contractors accountable for poor work.
Conclusion
The death of Madhavi has once again highlighted the lethal consequences of neglected road infrastructure in Dakshina Kannada. As residents continue to demand accountability, the Kulur tragedy stands as a grim reminder that delays in road maintenance can cost lives.