Tragic Road Accident in Udupi Claims Life of Elderly Scooter Rider
A devastating road accident in Udupi has resulted in the death of a 71-year-old scooter rider after a pickup vehicle ran over him. The incident occurred on Thursday at Shivalli village, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The deceased has been identified as Gopala Moolya, a resident of the area. According to police reports, the sequence of events began when an unidentified two-wheeler rider was operating his vehicle recklessly on National Highway-169A. This occurred near a crucial diversion point from Udupi towards Manipal, a route known for heavy traffic.
As Moolya carefully turned onto the Manipal-Udupi road after properly signaling at the diversion, the reckless two-wheeler rider collided with his scooter. The impact caused Moolya to lose control and fall onto the road along with his vehicle.
Secondary Impact Proves Fatal
In a tragic turn of events, a pickup vehicle traveling from Udupi towards Manipal arrived at the scene immediately after the initial collision. The pickup, allegedly driven negligently by Devi Prasad, ran over the fallen Moolya before the driver could react or stop.
The pickup vehicle's impact caused severe injuries to Moolya's head, chest, and limbs. Emergency responders rushed the critically injured victim to Udupi District Government Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the attending medical officer declared Moolya dead upon examination.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Police have determined that the accident resulted from the combined reckless and negligent driving of both the unidentified two-wheeler rider and the pickup vehicle driver. The two-wheeler rider compounded the tragedy by fleeing the scene immediately after the initial collision, leaving Moolya vulnerable to the secondary impact.
Udupi traffic police have registered a comprehensive case that addresses multiple violations. The charges include:
- Section 281 for rash driving under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Section 106(1) for causing death by negligence under the BNS
- Sections 134(a)(b) along with 187 of the Indian Motor Vehicles (IMV) Act
This legal action reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating this fatal incident, particularly given the victim's age and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Community Impact and Road Safety Concerns
The accident has raised significant concerns about road safety in the Udupi-Manipal corridor, especially at diversion points where traffic patterns change abruptly. Local residents have expressed alarm about the frequency of reckless driving on National Highway-169A and the need for enhanced traffic enforcement.
Elderly road users like Moolya are particularly vulnerable in such situations, highlighting the importance of defensive driving and heightened awareness among all motorists. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potentially fatal consequences when drivers fail to exercise proper caution on busy roadways.
Police continue their investigation to identify and apprehend the two-wheeler rider who fled the scene, while also pursuing the case against the pickup vehicle driver. The tragedy has left Moolya's family and the broader community mourning the loss of a senior citizen whose life ended in such violent circumstances.
