Bhatkal: A 40-year-old former serviceman from Kerala was killed and three others were injured after a car crashed into an electric pole on the side of National Highway 66 near Murdeshwar Railway Station on Friday in Bhatkal taluk.

According to police, the accident occurred when a car travelling from Kerala towards Murdeshwar lost control and rammed into the roadside electric pole opposite the Murdeshwar Railway Station.

The deceased has been identified as Sagaranath (40), son of Satvanath, a native of Kerala and a former soldier. He was seated beside the driver at the time of the accident and succumbed to his injuries.

Three other occupants of the car sustained injuries in the mishap and were reportedly shifted for medical treatment.

A case has been registered at the Murdeshwar Police Station, and further investigation is underway.