Bhatkal: A tempo lost control and collided with four motorbikes one after another near Quality Hotel on National Highway 66 in Bhatkal, resulting in one death and four injuries. Among the injured, one was critically hurt and shifted to Kundapur Hospital, while the others were taken to Bhatkal Government Hospital.

According to sources, Ganesh, a resident of Kaikini Ternamakki, had recently purchased a second-hand tempo from a private school and was possibly taking it to Byndoor for alterations. Upon reaching near Quality Hotel in Bhatkal, the steering lock of the tempo suddenly failed, causing the vehicle to veer to the right and collide with motorbikes coming from the opposite direction.

The tempo first struck the bike of Yogesh Nagappa Naik (29), a resident of Gandhi Nagar, Heble. Yogesh sustained severe injuries and was immediately rushed to Manipal Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The tempo then hit an Activa scooter, ridden by an 18-year-old girl, Muzdalifa from Shirur, followed by another bike carrying Mahesh Moger and Shekhar Moger from Belke, who were on their way to pay an electricity bill. Nayim Qamri, a resident of Haneefabad, also suffered minor injuries.

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