Outrage Erupts in Bengaluru After Fatal Accidents Linked to Poor Road Conditions
Bengaluru, February 16: Three tragic accidents in Karnataka, attributed to deteriorating and unsafe road conditions, have claimed the lives of three individuals. Following these incidents, residents in the Mahadevpura area of Bengaluru expressed their anger through protests.
The first incident occurred on the Itthamadu Gram Panchayat Road in Halehalli, where a two-year-old boy named Trishul lost his life. Reports indicate that on Sunday evening around 5:30 PM, during the Mahashivaratri festival, the child’s family was returning from a temple. The motorcycle he was riding on was struck by a car, causing him to fall onto the road and be run over, resulting in his immediate death.
On Monday, family members and local residents protested in the area, demanding justice. Protesters claimed that the poor and “unscientific” design of the road was the primary cause of the accident. They noted that one side of the road is elevated while the other slopes down, leading to a loss of balance for drivers.
Local residents asserted that this was the fifth fatality on the same road and that hundreds of accidents have occurred over the years. They expressed frustration over enduring the poor road conditions for the past 15 years. Although jelly stones were laid on the road six months ago, construction remains incomplete, causing significant inconvenience for school children and daily commuters.
Panchayat officials stated that the road falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department (PWD). They mentioned that a proposal for a new road has been submitted, and work had begun. The incident has been reported to the PWD, and the police have also communicated with the department. Officials claimed they have done what they could within their limited authority.
The second incident took place in the Adugodi police jurisdiction, where a 49-year-old woman named Amala died. On Sunday morning around 11 AM, she was returning from church on a scooter with her son when a tipper truck collided with their vehicle, crushing her.
She sustained severe injuries to both legs and became trapped under the vehicle. Local residents managed to rescue her and rushed her to the hospital, where she later died. Her son suffered minor injuries. According to police, the negligence of the truck driver was the main cause of the accident.
The third incident occurred in Shivamogga, resulting in the death of 35-year-old Mohammad Sohail. This accident took place on February 12 near the LB S Road on Sawalanga Road. Sohail worked at a mobile store and was returning home.
Family members alleged that a poorly designed speed breaker caused the accident. However, police sources indicated that Sohail was driving at high speed. He was admitted to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Monday. Reports suggest that several accidents have previously occurred on this road.
In the wake of these three incidents, local residents and family members have intensified their demands for immediate repairs to the roads and improvements to the poorly constructed speed breakers.
