Bhatkal: A tragic accident on National Highway 66 in Bhatkal claimed the life of a 61-year-old man and left his wife injured after a speeding tanker lorry rammed into their bike from behind on Saturday morning.
The deceased has been identified as Ishwar Manjappa Naik, a resident of Murdeshwar Basti, Devikan in Bhatkal taluk. His wife, 47-year-old Bharti Naik, sustained injuries and was rushed to the government hospital.
Click here to watch the video report
According to sources, Ishwar and his wife were heading towards Asarkeri temple via Shamsuddin Circle to attend a program when the tanker, traveling in the same direction towards Mangaluru, hit their bike from behind. The impact threw Ishwar onto the road, where one of the tanker’s wheels ran over his head. Despite wearing a helmet, he died instantly due to the severe impact.
Locals highlighted that ever since the four-laning work of NH-66 was left incomplete through the middle of Bhatkal town, traffic congestion has worsened significantly from Quality Hotel to Nawayath Colony. The stretch near Noor Masjid, Shamsuddin Circle, Jali Cross, and Nawayath Colony has become particularly accident-prone, with the reckless speed of heavy vehicles turning mishaps into a routine occurrence.
Residents have expressed deep concern, warning that unless the four-lane project is completed and a dedicated service road is constructed for local traffic, such tragedies will continue. They have urged the authorities to take immediate action to prevent further loss of lives and ensure the highway becomes safer for commuters.