Udupi: A serious road accident occurred at Santhekatte in Udupi district on Wednesday, March 18, when a car collided head-on with an express bus, leaving several people critically injured. The accident caused panic among commuters and temporarily disrupted traffic movement in the area.
According to preliminary information, the collision involved a Maruti Baleno car and an express bus travelling between Udupi and Kundapur. The impact of the crash was severe, resulting in extensive damage to the car and injuries to several occupants.
Local residents and passersby quickly rushed to the scene to assist the injured before emergency services arrived.
Traffic diversion due to underpass construction
Authorities said that traffic movement in the Santhekatte area had been altered due to ongoing underpass construction works on the highway.
Vehicles travelling from Kundapur towards Udupi were being diverted to a service road, while traffic moving from Udupi to Kundapur was permitted to use the concretised main highway.
Such diversions were introduced to manage traffic flow and facilitate construction work in the area. However, officials said these temporary arrangements require motorists to exercise extra caution.
Investigators believe the altered traffic pattern may have contributed to confusion among drivers in the moments leading up to the accident.
Car reportedly travelling on wrong side
According to reports from the spot, the Maruti Baleno car was allegedly travelling on the wrong side of the highway from the Kundapur direction.
The vehicle was reportedly attempting to overtake a Toyota Etios car, which was also said to be moving on the wrong side of the road at the time.
During the overtaking attempt, the Baleno is believed to have suddenly encountered an oncoming express bus travelling from Udupi towards Kundapur on the designated lane.
The situation left little time for either driver to react, leading to a direct head-on collision between the car and the bus.
Severe impact crushes front of car
The force of the collision was extremely powerful and caused significant damage to the Baleno car. The front portion of the vehicle was completely crushed in the accident.
The occupants inside the car sustained grievous injuries due to the impact and were reportedly in critical condition at the time they were rescued.
Eyewitnesses described the accident as severe, stating that the car was badly mangled and the victims had to be carefully pulled out before being shifted for medical treatment.
Bus passengers suffer minor injuries
While the car bore the brunt of the collision, passengers travelling in the express bus also sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Officials said most of the injuries among bus passengers were not life-threatening, though several individuals required medical attention due to the sudden impact.
The bus driver reportedly managed to control the vehicle after the crash, preventing further damage or additional accidents on the busy highway stretch.
Rescue efforts by locals and passersby
Soon after the accident occurred, local residents and passersby rushed to the site and began rescue efforts.
They helped pull the injured victims out of the damaged car and provided initial assistance before ambulances arrived. The injured were then shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Such quick response from locals often plays a crucial role in accident situations, especially when incidents occur on busy highways.
Authorities have not yet released detailed information regarding the identities of the injured persons.
Police investigation underway
Police officials arrived at the accident site shortly after the incident and began collecting evidence related to the crash.
They inspected the vehicles involved and recorded statements from witnesses and bus passengers. Traffic in the area was temporarily regulated while the damaged vehicles were cleared from the road.
Investigators are now examining the circumstances that led to the accident, including the alleged wrong-side driving by the car and the existing traffic diversions due to construction work.
Officials are expected to determine responsibility after reviewing all available evidence.
Conclusion
The accident at Santhekatte has once again highlighted the dangers of wrong-side driving and risky overtaking, especially in areas where traffic patterns are temporarily altered due to road construction.
Authorities have urged motorists to strictly follow traffic rules and remain cautious while driving through diversion routes. As the investigation continues, officials are expected to provide further details about the victims and the exact cause of the accident.