Bhatkal: A 60-year-old scooter rider was killed in a road accident near Usman Nagar Second Cross in Bhatkal on Saturday after a container rammed into his two-wheeler while he was crossing the National Highway. The deceased has been identified as Mohammed Qasim, a tailor by profession.
According to sources, Qasim was returning home to Gulmi after closing his tailoring shop near the Old Bus Stand in Bhatkal. While crossing the National Highway from Qidwai Road and proceeding towards Gulmi, a container travelling from Mangaluru towards Honnavar hit his scooter.
Eyewitnesses said the impact threw Qasim off the scooter, while the continer dragged the two-wheeler several metres along the road. Qasim was run over by the container's wheels and sustained fatal injuries, dying on the spot.
Traffic on the National Highway was disrupted for some time following the accident, while a large number of people gathered at the scene.
Police rushed to the spot after receiving information and shifted the body to Bhatkal Government Hospital. The body will be handed over to the family after completion of the necessary formalities and post-mortem examination.
Meanwhile, local residents questioned the alleged negligence of National Highway authorities, pointing out that there are neither traffic signals nor directional signboards on the road connecting Qidwai Road to Gulmi and the railway station.
Residents said the National Highway expansion and construction work is yet to be completed, but accidents have already begun occurring along the stretch. They also recalled a similar accident reported earlier on the National Highway near Murdeshwar Basti.
Demanding immediate safety measures, locals called for the construction of an underpass on the road leading to Gulmi and the railway station, along with the installation of appropriate traffic signals and directional signboards. They urged the authorities to act without waiting for another major accident and take steps to prevent further loss of life.