Udupi: A tragic road accident claimed the life of a child and left several passengers seriously injured after a private bus rammed into a hillside at Hulikal Ghat late on the night of December 30. The bus, operated by a private firm based in Kundapur, was travelling from Davanagere to Mangaluru when the mishap occurred, sending shockwaves among passengers and local residents.
According to preliminary information, the accident is suspected to have occurred after the driver lost control of the vehicle, possibly due to drowsiness while negotiating the ghat stretch. The exact cause, however, will be determined after a detailed investigation by the police.
Details of the accident
The accident took place at Hulikal Ghat, a stretch known for sharp curves and steep gradients. Police sources said the bus was descending the ghat section when it suddenly veered off the road and crashed into the hillside.
The impact was severe, resulting in extensive damage to the front portion of the bus. Several passengers were thrown from their seats, while others were trapped momentarily inside the damaged vehicle before being rescued.
Eyewitnesses said the sound of the crash was loud, prompting local residents and other motorists to rush to the spot and assist the injured even before emergency services arrived.
Casualties and injuries
A child travelling in the bus died on the spot due to the impact, police said. The identity of the deceased child has not been officially released, and authorities are in the process of informing and counselling the family members.
Several passengers sustained injuries, some of them serious. Among those admitted to a private hospital are Sharifabi (57), Imam Sab (73) and Safna (28). Doctors said their condition is being closely monitored.
Other injured passengers were shifted to different hospitals, including private healthcare facilities in Udupi, for further treatment. Some passengers suffered fractures and head injuries, while others sustained multiple bruises and cuts.
Emergency response and rescue
Soon after receiving information about the accident, police and emergency services rushed to the scene. Local residents also played a key role in the initial rescue efforts, helping passengers out of the damaged bus and providing first aid.
Ambulances were deployed to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Traffic on the ghat road was temporarily disrupted as rescue operations were carried out and the damaged bus was cleared from the roadside.
Police officials said coordinated efforts by local volunteers, emergency responders and hospital staff helped ensure that the injured received timely medical attention.
Possible cause under investigation
Preliminary reports indicate that driver fatigue or drowsiness may have contributed to the accident. Police said the driver was questioned as part of the initial inquiry, and further investigation is under way to determine whether overspeeding, mechanical failure or violation of safety norms also played a role.
“The ghat section requires careful driving, especially during night hours. We are examining all aspects, including the driver’s condition, vehicle fitness and adherence to safety regulations,” a police officer said.
The bus operator’s records, including permits and maintenance details, are also being verified as part of the probe.
Safety concerns on ghat roads
The accident has once again raised concerns about passenger safety on ghat roads, particularly during late-night travel. Hulikal Ghat is frequently used by long-distance buses, and accidents have been reported in the past due to sharp curves, poor visibility and driver fatigue.
Road safety activists have called for stricter enforcement of regulations related to driving hours, mandatory rest periods for drivers and regular vehicle fitness checks. They have also urged transport authorities to increase night patrols and signage on accident-prone stretches.
Police action
Police conducted a spot inspection at the accident site and registered a case in connection with the incident. Statements from passengers and witnesses are being recorded to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Officials said appropriate legal action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation. They also urged bus operators to prioritise passenger safety and ensure that drivers are adequately rested before undertaking long-distance night journeys.
Conclusion
The fatal accident at Hulikal Ghat has highlighted the risks associated with night travel on hilly terrain and the importance of strict safety measures. While the loss of a child has cast a pall of grief over the incident, authorities hope that a thorough investigation and corrective steps will help prevent similar tragedies in the future.