Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)

Udupi, Jan 11: In an incident that brings to light the apathy of officials, a car plunged into a drain that was left open near the old Geetanjali theatre here on Monday January 11 evening.

The road, stretching for about 50 metres, had been closed for about two weeks for concreting, and was opened only on Sunday January 10.

However, the slabs covering the drain beside the road was removed and left open, without any sign, cordon or barricade to warn the commuters and pedestrians. The road is not adequately lit either, and the work on the sides of the road is yet to be complete.

The driver of the car was on his way to the petrol pump when the accident occured. Though the car fell into the drain, the driver escaped unhurt.

Soon after the accident, a crowd gathered at the spot. Among the onlookers, a lady who was standing near the drain fell in after parapet gave way. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital.

The locals who gathered expressed anger at the authorities for not taking precautions for public safety and opening the road in a hurry before the completion of the work.