Kundapur: Seven people were injured in a serious road accident involving two cars near Badakere Cross along the National Highway on Wednesday.
The accident occurred when a car travelling towards Kundapur from the Arehole bypass side collided with another car heading from Kundapur towards Shiruru.
The injured were shifted to a private hospital in Kundapur, where they are undergoing treatment. Gangolli police officials visited the accident spot and registered a case.
Two cars collide on National Highway
According to preliminary information, the collision occurred near Badakere Cross when the two vehicles travelling in opposite directions came into contact.
The impact left seven people injured. The exact circumstances that led to the collision are yet to be established, and further details are expected as the police investigation progresses.
Following the accident, the injured were taken to a private hospital in Kundapur for treatment.
Gangolli police visited the location and initiated an investigation into the incident.
Residents raise safety concerns
The accident has once again raised concerns among residents over road safety at Badakere Cross.
Local residents said the stretch has witnessed several accidents in the past and claimed that the road layout and movement of vehicles at the location pose a safety risk.
According to residents, vehicles approaching from the Badakere side directly enter and stop on the National Highway. They said this creates a hazardous situation for motorists travelling along the highway and increases the possibility of collisions.
Residents have reportedly made repeated requests to the concerned authorities for measures to improve safety at the junction. These include providing a proper service road, a designated turning facility and better traffic control arrangements.
However, residents said a permanent solution has not yet been implemented.
Public seeks immediate safety measures
Following the latest accident, members of the public have urged the National Highways Authority and other concerned officials to inspect the location and take immediate corrective measures.
Residents said a properly planned service road and turning facility could help reduce conflicts between vehicles entering the highway and those already travelling on it.
They have also sought improved traffic management at the junction, particularly to regulate vehicles approaching the National Highway from the Badakere side.
In addition, residents have called for the installation of CCTV cameras at Badakere Cross. They said surveillance could help monitor vehicular movement, identify dangerous driving patterns and assist authorities in taking preventive measures.
The latest accident has renewed the demand for authorities to assess the road conditions and traffic movement at Badakere Cross and implement safety measures before further accidents occur.