Ankola: Monsoon is yet to arrive in coastal Karnataka, although showers have already begun in the coastal areas due to Cyclonic storm Biparjoy hitting the Arabian Sea. However, a recent incident on the Ankola National Highway has raised concerns as a pile of stones fell from a hill.

According to sources, while vehicles were moving along National Highway 66, a pile of stones suddenly slipped from the hill at Shiruru-Belse Ghat, causing a heap of stones to slide onto the road. Fortunately, no one was injured among the passing vehicles.

It has been reported that the contractor company, IRB, responsible for the National Highway Expansion Project, had accumulated these large stones during excavation work. Unfortunately, some of these piles slipped unexpectedly, obstructing the road. One large stone hit a lorry's tire, forcing the truck to stop, while another stone struck a car driver, resulting in minor injuries.

Local residents are urging the IRB company and the National Highway Authority of India to address the situation promptly by removing the stones from the hill. With heavy rains expected in the coming days, they fear that failing to take action could lead to more dangerous incidents.