Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Nov 28: A ten-wheeler tipper that had been hired to clear mud for embankment work near Basrur Moorukai Junction here, caused several electric poles to get uprooted because of the recklessness of its driver. This incident not only caused power outage, but also blocked traffic in the town for about 90 minutes on Tuesday November 27.

Seconds before the tipper went ahead toppling several electric poles, an ambulance had passed it. After the poles fell apart on the service road, vehicles were stranded. Drivers of some vehicles who saw what was happening, warned the driver and succeeded in stopping it. But the tipper driver went away thereafter along with his vehicle.

Vehicles bound for the town and towards Udupi got stranded from Unity Hall in Ankadakatte here to Shastri Circle. After underpass work was undertaken at Basrur Moorukai Junction, the highway was blocked and vehicles were allowed to move on the service road, which got completely blocked on Tuesday evening.

Traffic police worked hand in hand with Mescom officials to clear the fallen electric poles. The traffic, which stopped at 5.45 pm, started moving again at 7.45 pm. Several private and government buses bound for Bengaluru started off with inordinate delay.

Over ten electric poles including three main transmission line poles of Mescom were found scattered on the service road. The entire town plunged into darkness abruptly because of this incident. Mescom officials said that it might not be feasible to restore power supply to the town before Wednesday evening.

The locals, who suffered adverse consequences of recklessness of the driver, have urged the authorities to take steps against Navayuga Infra, which is executing the highway and underpass works.