Kundapur: Two cars were severely damaged in a collision on National Highway 66 near Canara Bank at Thekkatte after one vehicle rammed into another while attempting a turn onto an inner road. The accident occurred on Sunday, February 1, and resulted in major vehicle damage and minor injuries to one driver, police said.

According to preliminary information and eyewitness accounts, both vehicles were travelling in the same direction when the crash took place. Quick response from local police ensured inspection of the scene and registration of a case.

Rear-end collision during left turn

Eyewitnesses said a Maruti Suzuki Fronx was proceeding from Kundapur towards Udupi along NH-66, following a Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 on the same stretch. As traffic moved along the highway, the Alto K10 driver attempted to take a left turn onto the inner road leading to Bandebailu.

At that moment, the driver of the Fronx reportedly lost control and rammed into the Alto K10 from behind. The impact was described as forceful, suggesting either sudden braking by the lead car or delayed reaction from the trailing driver.

Traffic movement slowed briefly after the crash as passersby and nearby shopkeepers rushed to check on the occupants and alert authorities.

Airbags deployed, electric poles snapped

The force of the collision triggered the airbags in the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. After hitting the Alto K10, the Fronx veered off course and struck a roadside electric pole.

The secondary impact caused significant roadside damage, with two electric poles reported to have snapped. Power supply disruption in the immediate vicinity was reported for a short duration until technical teams were alerted.

Vehicle debris and broken pole fragments were scattered near the roadside, requiring caution from other motorists using the stretch.

Extensive damage to both vehicles

The rear portion of the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 suffered extensive damage in the crash. Police and witnesses said the back section was almost completely crushed due to the direct rear-end impact. Two tyres of the Alto K10 reportedly burst during the collision.

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx also sustained heavy front-end damage due to the dual impact — first with the Alto and then with the electric pole. The deployed airbags helped reduce the risk of serious injury to the driver.

Photographs from the scene showed both vehicles with major structural damage, indicating the severity of the collision despite the absence of fatalities.

Driver sustains minor injuries

The driver of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx was identified as Narasimha Holla of Kundapur. He sustained minor injuries in the accident and was given immediate assistance. No other serious injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.

Occupants of the Alto K10 escaped without major injuries, according to initial reports. Bystanders helped them move away from the damaged vehicle soon after the crash.

Police said it was fortunate that the accident did not result in fatalities given the scale of vehicle damage and roadside impact.

Police register case, probe underway

Kota police personnel reached the accident spot soon after receiving information. Officers conducted a spot inspection, documented vehicle positions and damage, and gathered preliminary statements from those present.

A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events, including vehicle speed, braking distance and adherence to traffic rules at the turning point.

Officials are also expected to review whether proper indicators and caution were used while taking the turn and whether overspeeding or inattention contributed to the crash.

Safety concerns at highway junctions

Road safety observers note that collisions frequently occur at highway junctions where vehicles slow down or turn off into inner roads. Sudden lane changes and inadequate signalling often increase risk for trailing vehicles.

Motorists are advised to reduce speed near junctions, maintain safe following distance and anticipate turns by vehicles ahead — especially on busy national highway stretches.

Conclusion

The NH-66 collision near Thekkatte caused heavy vehicle and roadside infrastructure damage but fortunately no loss of life. With police investigation in progress, authorities are expected to examine driver conduct and road conditions to prevent similar accidents at highway turn-offs in future.