Udupi: An auto-rickshaw overturned after its driver allegedly lost control while negotiating a sharp bend on a downhill stretch of National Highway 169A near Eshwar Nagar in Manipal on Thursday night.
The accident occurred in front of the Udupi City Municipal Council’s drinking water pump house. Preliminary information indicates that the driver lost control of the vehicle while navigating the sudden curve on the highway, causing the auto-rickshaw to overturn.
The incident has once again drawn attention to road safety concerns at the particular stretch, with local residents claiming that the combination of a steep gradient and an abrupt turn has contributed to several accidents in the area.
Auto overturns near water pump house
According to preliminary information, the auto-rickshaw was travelling along NH 169A when the driver encountered the sharp bend near Eshwar Nagar.
The downhill stretch reportedly made it difficult for the driver to maintain control while negotiating the curve. The vehicle subsequently overturned near the Udupi City Municipal Council’s drinking water pump house.
Details regarding injuries to the occupants were not immediately available.
The incident occurred at night, when visibility and the ability to anticipate a sudden change in road alignment can be particularly important for motorists.
Locals flag recurring accident risk
Residents in the area have raised concerns over the road design at the location.
According to locals, the sharp curve on the main highway has been responsible for several accidents in the past. They said motorists travelling downhill may find it difficult to anticipate the abrupt turn, particularly when approaching the stretch at speed.
The combination of the downhill gradient and sharp bend has reportedly created a challenging section for motorists.
Residents said warning signboards have already been installed to alert road users about the curve. However, they claimed that the signs have had limited impact because the steep descent and sudden change in direction can still catch drivers off guard.
Warning signs may need review
The concerns raised by residents have brought renewed attention to whether the existing road safety measures are sufficient for the location.
Warning boards can alert motorists to an upcoming curve, but their effectiveness also depends on their visibility, placement and whether drivers have adequate distance to slow down before reaching the turn.
Locals believe additional measures may be required to make the stretch safer, particularly for vehicles travelling downhill.
Possible improvements could include clearer advance warnings and other engineering measures, subject to assessment by the authorities responsible for the highway.
However, the exact cause of Thursday night’s accident will have to be established through the police investigation.
Manipal Police investigate
Manipal Police have registered a case in connection with the accident.
Police are investigating the circumstances under which the driver allegedly lost control of the auto-rickshaw and whether factors such as speed, road conditions, visibility or the sharp curve contributed to the mishap.
The investigation is expected to establish the sequence of events leading to the vehicle overturning.
Officials may also examine the accident-prone nature of the stretch and concerns raised by local residents as part of the broader assessment of the incident.
Residents seek safer highway stretch
The latest accident has renewed calls from locals for measures to improve safety at the NH 169A curve.
Residents say motorists using the road regularly are familiar with the sharp turn, but visitors and drivers unfamiliar with the stretch may have difficulty anticipating it, particularly while travelling downhill.
They have urged authorities to examine the road geometry and consider whether additional safety measures are needed to prevent further accidents.
The incident also highlights the importance of motorists reducing speed when approaching downhill curves, even where warning signs are present.
As Manipal Police continue their investigation, the accident has once again put the spotlight on the sharp bend near Eshwar Nagar and the need for a long-term solution to address recurring safety concerns on the stretch.