Udupi: A 22-year-old student from Padubidri who suffered critical injuries after being hit by a goods tempo has died while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Mangaluru. The victim, identified as Preksha of Nadsalu Billitota, passed away on Sunday, a day after the road accident.
Student hit while crossing the service road
According to police sources, the accident occurred when Preksha was crossing the service road towards Mangaluru. A tempo travelling from the Udupi side struck her, causing her to fall and sustain a severe head injury.
Local residents immediately rushed her to a nearby hospital for first aid before she was shifted to Mangaluru for specialised treatment. Despite medical efforts, she did not survive.
Padubidri Police have registered a case and begun further investigation into the incident.
Family devastated by the loss
Preksha was a student of Karavali College, Vamanjoor, and was returning home after completing her examination when the accident occurred.
Belonging to a financially distressed family, she had earlier lost her father and lived with her mother and brother. Her untimely death has shocked the local community and left her family shattered.
Community demands safer roads
Following the incident, residents of the area once again raised concerns over frequent accidents on the service road stretch. Locals claim that overspeeding by goods vehicles and inadequate pedestrian safety measures pose serious risks, especially to students and daily commuters.
The community has urged the authorities to install speed breakers, improve signage and enhance monitoring on the route to prevent further mishaps.
Police continue probe
Police officials said they are examining CCTV footage from nearby establishments to ascertain the exact sequence of events. The driver of the tempo is expected to be questioned, and action will be taken as per the findings of the investigation.
Authorities have assured that necessary measures will be reviewed to improve road safety in the area.