Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 8: A head-on collision between a private bus and a lorry at Bellibettu near Gurupura on Wednesday resulted in critical injuries to both drivers.

The accident occurred at a sharp curve in Bellibettu when the private bus, plying from Mangaluru to Karkala, collided with a lorry heading towards Mangaluru.

Rescued using gas cutters

The impact of the collision was so severe that the front portions of both vehicles were completely mangled. Both drivers were trapped inside their respective cabins. Local residents rushed to the spot and used gas cutters to slice through the wreckage to pull the injured drivers out. Passengers on the bus escaped with minor injuries.

The critically injured drivers have been admitted to a private hospital in the city for treatment.

Exemplary honesty amid chaos

During the rescue operation, a local resident named Rafiq Gurupura found a bag containing approximately Rs 6 lac in cash amidst the bus wreckage. Displaying exemplary honesty, Rafiq immediately handed over the cash to the Bajpe police personnel present at the site. Bajpe Circle Inspector Balakrishna confirmed the recovery of the cash and praised Rafiq's integrity.

The rescue operation was successfully carried out by locals including Rafiq, Shivaram, Rauf, Fazil, and others. The Bajpe police visited the spot, conducted an inspection, and have registered a case in this regard.