Report and Pics by Shekhar Ajekar
Daijiworld Media Network – Moodbidri (RD/SP)
 
Moodbidri, Jul 29: A driver-cum-owner of sports utility vehicle (SUV) Scorpio was critically injured, after his vehicle was involved in a collision with a private passenger bus, plying on Mangalore – Karkala national highway (NH) 13, at about 2.00 pm on Wednesday July 29.
 
The driver and owner of SUV Scorpio is also believed to be a proprietor of a petrol pump in Bailoor, Udupi district. He was driving his vehicle towards Karkala, when his vehicle collided with Vishal Travels passenger bus, plying towards Karkala, at the sharp curve located between Alangar and Jain School, here on NH 13.  The critically injured Scorpio driver has been admitted into a hospital.
 

Sources informed that the accident occurred, when the bus driver tried to overtake precariously, without gauging the dangers posed by the slippery road caused by incessant rains that are lashing DK district since a few days. 
 
Meanwhile, a Maruti Wagon R that was behind the passenger bus also suffered some damage, while its driver escaped miraculously.  The passengers of the bus also escaped unhurt except three or four passengers, who sustained minor injuries owing to the mishap.  The Scorpio was badly mangled in the collision, while the front portion of the bus was partially damaged.
 
It may be recalled that this is the second mishap that has occurred at this spot, which is accident prone, in a month.  The barrier wall on this stretch of NH 13 was damaged in that accident. It was re-built recently and this mishap occurred at the same spot.  Moodbidri town police have registered a case.