Udupi: At least 15 people were injured after a tipper truck collided head-on with a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus near the Shettarkatte turn in Kundapura late on Monday night, police said. Most of the injured were passengers travelling on the bus, including seven students, prompting concerns over road safety and overspeeding on district roads.
According to the police, the KSRTC bus was en route from Neralakatte to Tallur when the accident occurred. Preliminary investigations suggest that the tipper truck, allegedly driven at high speed, rammed into the bus, causing significant damage to the front portions of both vehicles.
Details of the collision
Police officials said the impact of the collision was severe, resulting in multiple passengers sustaining injuries of varying degrees. Eyewitnesses reported that the bus was proceeding on its designated route when the tipper truck suddenly veered into its path near the Shettarkatte junction.
Emergency services were alerted immediately after the crash. Local residents and passersby rushed to the spot to assist the injured before ambulances arrived. Traffic movement in the area was temporarily disrupted following the accident, and police personnel were deployed to regulate vehicles and clear the road.
Injured shifted to hospitals
Authorities said that three of the injured passengers, who sustained serious injuries, were shifted to Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, for advanced medical treatment. The remaining injured persons were admitted to Kundapura Government Hospital and Adarsha Hospital for further care.
The driver of the tipper truck, identified as Raghavendra, also sustained injuries and was admitted to Chinmayi Hospital. Doctors treating the injured said two patients were in critical condition with head injuries, while a third person who was initially reported to be serious is now out of danger.
Medical teams are closely monitoring the condition of those admitted, and hospital authorities said all necessary treatment is being provided.
Police investigation underway
Kundapura police have registered a case in connection with the accident and launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision. Preliminary findings point towards overspeeding by the tipper truck, though officials said further inquiry is needed to establish responsibility conclusively.
Police are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and recording statements from the bus driver, the injured passengers and eyewitnesses. Officials said the mechanical condition of both vehicles would also be inspected as part of the investigation.
SP visits injured passengers
Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar visited the hospitals soon after learning about the incident and enquired about the condition of the injured patients. He directed hospital authorities and police officials to ensure that the victims receive timely medical attention and that their families are kept informed.
The SP also instructed officers to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a detailed report at the earliest. He stressed the need for strict enforcement of traffic rules, particularly against heavy vehicles, to prevent such accidents.
Rising concern over road safety
The accident has once again highlighted concerns regarding overspeeding and road safety, especially on highways and busy junctions in the district. Transport and police officials have repeatedly warned drivers of heavy vehicles to adhere to speed limits and exercise caution, particularly during night hours.
Road safety experts say that collisions involving heavy vehicles often result in serious injuries due to the force of impact. They have called for increased monitoring, installation of speed-calming measures and awareness campaigns to reduce accidents.
Conclusion
As the injured continue to receive treatment, the accident has drawn attention to the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and responsible driving. Authorities have assured that appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation. Meanwhile, commuters and residents have urged the administration to take preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.