Udupi: In a startling incident, a car went out of control and crashed into a high-tension electric pole near Panjimaru-Kodugudde on the Katapady-Shirva main road, with all five युवಕರು in the vehicle escaping unhurt in what is being described as a miraculous escape.
According to sources, the occupants were employees of a vehicle showroom and were travelling to attend a housewarming function at Belman when the accident occurred. While passing through the Panjimaru-Kodugudde stretch, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle.
The car rammed into an electric pole with considerable force before veering off the road and coming to a halt in a roadside drain on the opposite side. The impact caused extensive damage to the vehicle, leaving it badly mangled.
Despite the severity of the crash, all five occupants escaped without injuries. The deployment of airbags during the collision is believed to have played a crucial role in preventing serious harm.
The collision led to significant damage to infrastructure in the area. Two double-feeder electric poles, which had reportedly been installed just two months ago, were uprooted and snapped due to the force of the impact.
This resulted in a power outage in the surrounding locality, affecting residents and nearby establishments.
Officials from the power department rushed to the accident site soon after the incident was reported. Under the supervision of Shirva MESCOM section officer Manjappa, immediate steps were taken to manage the situation.
Temporary arrangements were put in place to restore electricity supply, minimising the duration of the outage and inconvenience to the public.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of cautious driving, especially on busy stretches and turns along arterial roads. Sudden loss of control, whether due to speed or road conditions, can lead to severe consequences not only for occupants but also for public infrastructure.
Authorities may examine the accident site to determine if additional safety measures, such as signage or speed control mechanisms, are required to prevent similar incidents.
While the accident caused substantial damage to the vehicle and public utilities, the absence of injuries stands out as a fortunate outcome. The role of safety features like airbags proved crucial, underscoring their importance in modern vehicles.