Bhatkal: An autorickshaw overturned on the Bhatkal–Sagar road after a wild boar suddenly crossed the road, leaving the driver critically injured.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening along State Highway-50, near the municipal garbage dumping yard.

The injured driver has been identified as Shashikant Ramchandra Shett, a resident of Asarkeri. He was rushed to the Bhatkal Government Hospital soon after the accident and, after receiving initial treatment, was shifted to Manipal Hospital due to the seriousness of his injuries.

A woman passenger, Padmavathi, a vegetable vendor from Kotakhand Marukeri in Bhatkal taluk, also sustained minor injuries in the accident. She was treated at the Bhatkal Government Hospital.

According to the complaint filed by Padmavathi, she was travelling in the autorickshaw from Bhatkal town towards Marukeri Kotakhand when a wild boar suddenly appeared in front of the vehicle near the dumping yard on the highway. In an attempt to avoid hitting the animal, the driver applied sudden brakes, causing the autorickshaw to lose balance and overturn.

The driver reportedly suffered serious injuries to his head, arms and both legs, with doctors suspecting multiple fractures, prompting his immediate referral to Manipal Hospital.

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