Ankola: Five innocent lives were lost in an accident on NH-17 near Belse on Friday due to sheer negligence of the highway authorities.

Craters-like potholes all along the highway have literally turned into death traps. However, the highway authorities have been in deep slumber, not caring to repair the highway.

Repeated appeals by the public to Highway Executive Engineer since a year have failed to open his eyes. Even a letter communication by the deputy commissioner regarding the highway repair has failed to work.

It may be mentioned here that a person from Bhatkal was killed at the same spot around a fortnight ago, where the Friday accident took place. If the authorities had taken up repair of the highway, the accident on Friday would have been prevented and the five innocent lives saved.

A contractor from Karwar has won the tender bid for repair of the highway and Rs 10.2 crore has been earmarked for the purposed. However, the contractor is yet commence the work, and officials and people’s representative too are not serious to commence the work.

MLA visits spot
Kumta MLA Dinakar Shetty visited the spot and consoled the members of bereaved families, who lost their near and dear ones in the accident on Friday. Assistant Commissioner Pushpalata also visited Ankola hospital and assured suitable compensation.