Udupi: A 43-year-old man, Manjunath, a resident of Santekatte in Lakshminagar and a well-known painter, died on the spot in a tragic road accident near Heroor Roadset Crossing in Brahmavar on National Highway 66 on Wednesday morning.

According to reports, a private bus heading towards Udupi suddenly applied brakes on the highway near the crossing. An Innova car travelling behind it lost control and rammed into the rear of the bus with great force. The impact was severe, leaving the front portion of the car completely mangled. Manjunath, who was seated in the front seat, sustained fatal injuries due to heavy bleeding and died on the spot.

It is learnt that Manjunath, along with four others from Lakshminagar, was returning home in the Innova after attending a programme in Goa. The group was just minutes away from reaching home when the accident occurred. While Manjunath lost his life, the other four occupants sustained minor injuries and were admitted to a nearby hospital.

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