Mangaluru: A 26-year-old woman lost her life after a private bus struck a scooter from behind and ran over her near Nanthoor Circle in Mangaluru on Tuesday evening, February 4. The fatal accident occurred near the Nanthoor bus stop around 7:45 pm and has once again raised concerns over road safety and traffic movement in one of the city’s busiest junctions.
The deceased has been identified as Deepthi (26), a resident of Ballalbagh. She was travelling as a pillion passenger on a scooter ridden by her fiancé, Kishore (32). The couple was reportedly heading from Shivabhag towards Vamanjoor when the incident took place.
Kadri Traffic police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the collision.
Collision from behind led to fatal fall
According to police officials, the scooter was proceeding towards Vamanjoor when a private bus bearing registration number KA-19 D-5868 approached from behind and collided with it near the Nanthoor bus stop. The bus was operating on Route No. 22 and was bound for Kudupu at the time of the accident.
Preliminary findings indicate that the impact from the rear caused Deepthi, who was seated as the pillion rider, to be thrown off the scooter onto the road. In the seconds that followed, she came under the wheels of the bus, which ran over her abdomen and caused critical injuries.
The scooter rider, Kishore, managed to maintain balance enough to avoid falling directly under the vehicle and escaped without serious injury, police said.
Passersby and local commuters immediately rushed to assist and alerted emergency services.
Victim rushed to hospital but declared dead
Mangaluru police said that Deepthi was quickly shifted to A J Hospital by bystanders and emergency responders. However, despite efforts by medical staff, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after being brought to the hospital.
Doctors reportedly found that she had suffered severe internal injuries due to the run-over impact. The body was later moved for post-mortem examination as part of the legal procedure.
The sudden death of the young woman has left her family and friends in deep shock. Sources said the couple was on their way to attend a birthday party in Vamanjoor when the tragedy occurred.
Busy junction under scrutiny
Nanthoor Circle and the adjoining bus stop area are known for heavy evening traffic, with frequent movement of private buses, city buses, two-wheelers, and cars. The stretch connects key routes including Kadri, Shivabhag, Bejai, and Vamanjoor, making it a high-density corridor during peak hours.
Regular commuters say that congestion, frequent lane changes by buses, and sudden braking near bus stops often create dangerous situations, especially for two-wheeler riders. The presence of multiple merging lanes and pedestrian crossings adds to the complexity of traffic flow in the area.
Following the accident, traffic police conducted a spot inspection to understand vehicle positions, skid marks, and visibility conditions at the time of the crash.
Investigation underway
Kadri Traffic police have registered a case in connection with the incident and are examining whether overspeeding, negligent driving, or sudden manoeuvring contributed to the crash. Officers are also expected to review CCTV footage from nearby establishments and traffic cameras, if available.
Police said statements will be recorded from the bus driver, scooter rider, and eyewitnesses. The mechanical condition of both vehicles may also be inspected as part of the probe.
Officials noted that it is not yet clear whether the bus was speeding or whether the scooter changed lanes suddenly before the collision. A detailed investigation will determine liability and whether charges will be filed against the bus driver.
Renewed calls for road safety measures
Mangaluru traffic authorities have repeatedly urged motorists — especially bus drivers and two-wheeler riders — to exercise caution near bus stops and major junctions. Rear-end collisions involving two-wheelers often lead to fatal outcomes due to direct road impact and run-over risk.
Road safety advocates say stricter enforcement, speed monitoring, and better lane discipline among heavy vehicles and buses could help reduce such incidents. Awareness about safe following distance and blind-spot risks is also being emphasised in ongoing traffic campaigns.
The investigation into Tuesday evening’s fatal accident is continuing, and further action will depend on the findings of the police inquiry.