Karkala: Former Karnataka government minister B. Ramanath Rai sustained injuries after the car in which he was travelling collided head-on with a private bus near Chilimbi on National Highway 169 in Karkala.
The accident occurred when Ramanath Rai was travelling from Moodbidri towards Karkala. The private bus was proceeding in the opposite direction, from Karkala towards Moodbidri, when the two vehicles collided.
The impact was severe and left the car badly mangled. Ramanath Rai sustained injuries to his arm and leg, while his driver was also trapped inside the damaged vehicle following the collision.
Locals rush to accident spot
Following the accident, local residents immediately rushed to the spot and began rescue efforts. Jagadish and Shishir, associated with the Moodbidri Hindu Jagarana Vedike, were among those who reached the accident site.
The rescue operation was challenging as Ramanath Rai and his driver were reportedly trapped inside the damaged car. The rescuers and local residents made strenuous efforts to extricate both of them from the vehicle.
After they were brought out of the car, the injured were shifted to a hospital for immediate medical attention.
According to the information available, Ramanath Rai and his driver are undergoing treatment and are reported to be out of danger.
Collision leaves car badly damaged
The head-on collision caused extensive damage to the car in which the former minister was travelling. The severity of the damage prompted immediate efforts by people at the scene to rescue the occupants.
The accident took place on National Highway 169 near Chilimbi, a route connecting the Moodbidri and Karkala areas. The highway witnesses regular movement of private buses and other vehicles connecting towns and villages in the region.
Details regarding the exact circumstances that led to the collision, including whether any traffic or road-related factors contributed to the crash, were not immediately available.
Former minister receives treatment
Ramanath Rai, a senior Congress leader and former Karnataka minister, has been receiving medical treatment following the accident. Rai served as a minister in the Karnataka government and has represented Bantwal in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on several occasions.
The immediate priority following the accident was to rescue the occupants of the car and provide them with medical assistance.
Driver also shifted to hospital
Ramanath Rai’s driver was also trapped in the vehicle after the collision and was rescued along with the former minister.
Both were subsequently taken to hospital for treatment. Their condition is currently reported to be stable and out of danger.
The prompt response from people living in the area helped ensure that the injured occupants were taken out of the damaged vehicle and transported for medical care without delay.
Investigation into accident awaited
Further details about the accident, including the condition of the private bus passengers and the exact cause of the collision, are awaited.
Authorities are expected to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the crash as part of the investigation into the road accident.
The incident highlights the need for caution on highway stretches where vehicles travelling in opposite directions share busy road corridors. Further official information is expected to clarify the sequence of events and the number of people affected.
For now, Ramanath Rai and his driver remain under medical observation and are reported to be out of danger following the serious collision near Chilimbi.