Bhatkal: Two passengers seriously injured in collision between mini truck and auto-rickshaw on Sarpankatta NH-66. The injured have been identified as Manjamma Moger (40) and Venkat Raman Naik (52), both from Belke.

According to sources, the auto-rickshaw was en route from Belke village to Bhatkal city when a Tata Ace mini truck collided with it head-on. Eyewitnesses reported that the mini truck veered into the auto-rickshaw's path, striking it after mounting the road divider. The impact ejected two of the three passengers from the auto, causing severe injuries. They were rushed to Bhatkal Government Hospital for initial treatment and later transferred to Manipal Hospital due to the seriousness of their conditions.

Manjamma was heading to the Bhatkal fish market, while Venkat Raman Naik was traveling to Bhatkal city for labor work. Another passenger, Manjunath Bhandari (53), bound for Anjuman College, sustained minor injuries, as did the auto-rickshaw driver, Pandu Mastappa Naik (38).

The auto-rickshaw sustained significant damage in the collision. A case has been registered at Bhatkal Rural Police Station.