Karkala: A 63-year-old woman sustained serious injuries after falling from a moving private bus near the Miyyar divider in Karkala taluk on January 26. The incident has once again raised concerns over passenger safety in overcrowded private buses operating on inter-district routes.

The injured woman has been identified as Jayanthi, a resident of Miyyar village. She was travelling from Udupi to Belthangady when the accident occurred.

Fall from bus near divider

According to reports, Jayanthi was standing close to the door of the private bus during the journey. As the bus approached the Miyyar divider, she reportedly lost her balance and fell onto the road while the vehicle was still in motion.

Eyewitnesses said the bus was moving at the time of the incident, and the fall resulted in the woman landing dangerously close to the rear wheels.

Right arm crushed under rear wheel

In the fall, Jayanthi’s right arm came under the rear wheel of the bus and was severely crushed. Passers-by and local residents immediately rushed to her aid after noticing the incident.

The severity of the injury caused panic among fellow passengers and people in the vicinity, prompting an urgent response to ensure she received medical attention without delay.

Local resident rushes victim to hospital

A local resident, Ramakanth Shetty Karimarukatte, acted swiftly and transported the injured woman to the Karkala Government Hospital in his car. Hospital sources said Jayanthi sustained serious injuries to her right arm and was provided emergency treatment upon arrival.

Doctors are continuing to monitor her condition, and further medical procedures may be required depending on the extent of the injuries.

Safety concerns over standing passengers

The incident has highlighted recurring safety concerns related to passengers standing near doors in private buses, particularly elderly commuters. Locals pointed out that overcrowding and lack of strict enforcement of safety norms often force passengers to stand in unsafe positions during travel.

Residents have urged transport authorities to ensure stricter checks on private buses to prevent overcrowding and to enforce rules that prohibit passengers from standing near open doors while buses are in motion.

Conclusion

The serious injury suffered by the elderly woman has underscored the need for greater emphasis on passenger safety and responsible operation of private buses. Authorities are expected to look into the circumstances surrounding the incident and take necessary measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.