Kundapur: A 67-year-old pedestrian was killed after a speeding car allegedly knocked him down while he was waiting by National Highway 66 to cross the road in Kota on Monday night.
The deceased has been identified as Manju Poojary (67), a resident of Giliyaru. The accident occurred near Gobbarabettu Bobbaryakatte on NH 66 in Kota.
According to sources, Manju was standing on the roadside and waiting to cross the highway towards Giliyaru when the car approached from the Udupi side towards Kundapur. The vehicle was allegedly being driven at high speed and in a reckless manner when it hit him.
Impact throws pedestrian onto road
The force of the collision reportedly threw Manju onto the road, leaving him with severe injuries to his head and legs.
Jeevan Mitra Nagaraj Puthran and other local residents immediately rushed to his aid following the accident.
An ambulance arranged through the toll facility was used to transport the injured man to the government hospital in Brahmavar.
However, doctors who examined Manju declared him brought dead.
The accident caused concern among local residents, particularly because it occurred along NH 66, a busy highway carrying heavy traffic between Udupi and Kundapur.
Family loses 67-year-old member
Manju Poojary was working at a canteen and was a resident of Giliyaru.
He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.
The sudden death has left the family mourning, while the circumstances surrounding the accident are now being examined by the police.
The incident once again highlights the risks faced by pedestrians attempting to cross NH 66, particularly on stretches where vehicles travel at high speeds.
Kota police register case
Following the accident, a case was registered at the Kota police station.
Police have begun investigating the circumstances leading to the collision, including the alleged speed and manner in which the car was being driven.
Investigators are expected to examine the available evidence and gather information about the vehicle and its driver as part of the probe.
Further details regarding the case are awaited.
The accident serves as another reminder of the need for motorists to exercise caution and reduce speed near populated areas, pedestrian crossings and roadside settlements along NH 66.