Bhatkal: An auto driver was seriously injured when his vehicle collided with a Bolero pick-up van on NH 66 in Nawayath Colony, Bhatkal, on Friday evening around 6 pm.

The injured driver, identified as Javid (55) and a resident of Bhatkal Azad Nagar under the jurisdiction of Jali Patan Panchayat in Bhatkal, was promptly rushed to Bhatkal Taluka Government Hospital by locals after the accident. He was later transferred to a private hospital in Udupi following initial treatment at Bhatkal Government Hospital.

Javid's wife, Sayeeda Hameeda, who was in the passenger seat, sustained minor injuries in the accident and received treatment at Bhatkal Government Hospital.

According to Sayeeda, they were en route to their home from a hotel at Citylight Cross in Nawayath Colony after obtaining medicines from a private hospital on Jali Road when a pickup van heading towards Murdeshwar collided with their auto-rickshaw.

A case has been registered at Bhatkal Town Police Station.