Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur

Puttur, Apr 13: A collision between a Jeep and a Mahindra Thar on National Highway 75 near Uppinangady resulted in the Jeep overturning on Monday, April 13. Fortunately, the occupants of the vehicle escaped with only minor injuries.

The accident occurred on the stretch of the highway between 34 Nekkilady and Nelyadi, right in front of Indraprastha Vidyalaya. According to sources, both vehicles were traveling toward Nelyadi. The driver of the Jeep, identified as Sesappa, reportedly attempted an abrupt right turn from the highway toward a service road.

During this sudden maneuver, the Mahindra Thar, driven by Muhammad Akram of Kavalakatte, collided with the Jeep. The impact was severe enough to cause the Jeep to overturn and face the opposite direction toward Nekkilady. The front portion of the Thar and the Jeep sustained significant damage.

Highway design flaws blamed for accidents

The local business community and commuters have expressed concern over the partially completed four-lane national highway work in this region, which has led to vehicles traveling at high speeds.

A resident alleged that the lack of proper signage is a major factor in recurring accidents. At the spot where the crash occurred, one service road leads to Uppinangady town, while another on the opposite side is meant for vehicles exiting the town. However, there are no clear signboards to guide drivers. While one small board exists, locals claim it is so poorly designed that it is practically unreadable.

The accident is attributed to the Jeep driver’s attempt to enter the exit-only service road against the flow of traffic. Critics have urged the highway authorities to complete the pending works and install adequate safety indicators to prevent further mishaps.

A case has been registered at the Puttur Traffic Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.