Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, May 27: A government bus tilted to the left after the left-side stub axle broke and the wheel came off while the vehicle was in motion near the Udupi entrance arch at Kinnimulki.

The bus was travelling from Mangaluru to Ankalagi in Belagavi district. As the bus reached the Udupi entrance arch at Kinnimulki, the driver sensed that the wheel was tilting and immediately stopped the vehicle. By then, the already-cracked stub axle had snapped, causing the wheel to detach and fall out, while the bus tilted to the left and came to a halt on the road.

All passengers on board escaped safely. Within about half an hour, alternative bus arrangements were made and the passengers were sent to Ankalagi.

It is learnt that the stub axle of the same bus had broken around three months ago, following which it was repaired and put back into service. However, on Sunday night, a crack reportedly developed again at the same spot, leading to the stub axle breaking and the wheel coming off once more.

KSRTC officials have submitted a complaint to higher authorities regarding the incident.