Bhatkal: In a tragic road accident near Shantinagar Bus Stand in Bangalore late Saturday night, a couple from Bhatkal lost their lives on the spot, while two other bikers sustained serious injuries. Shockingly, the accident was caused by an ambulance that jumped a red signal and sped recklessly through the junction — even though, according to local residents, there was no patient inside.
Eyewitnesses said that Ismail Nathar Dabapu (40), a resident of Bhatkal’s Muscat Colony, was riding his motorbike with his wife Sameen Banu Kasimji (32) towards Sudhama Nagar when the accident occurred. As they stopped at the KH Junction Circle due to a red signal, a speeding ambulance rammed into their bike from behind, hitting two other motorcycles as well. The ambulance reportedly dragged one of the bikes for several meters before crashing into a signal control post and coming to a halt.
Locals rushed to help the victims immediately after the crash, but the Bhatkal couple succumbed to their injuries on the spot. The two other injured riders were shifted to a nearby hospital in Bangalore for treatment.
Following the incident, a wave of anger swept through the area as residents gathered at the site in protest. They expressed outrage over the reckless behavior of some ambulance drivers, pointing out that “ambulances are meant to save lives, not take them.” One eyewitness questioned, “If there was no patient inside, why did the driver need to overspeed and break the signal?” Residents demanded strict action against the driver and urged authorities to curb such negligent and irresponsible driving. Reports say the driver fled the scene immediately after the accident but was taken into police custody on Sunday morning.
The deceased, Ismail and Sameen Banu, hailed from Bhatkal. Ismail, a businessman dealing in garments, lived in Muscat Colony, while Sameen Banu was a resident of Bunder Road Fifth Cross. The couple, married about 12 years ago, had been living in BTM Layout, Bangalore, for the past nine years. They are survived by three children, aged 10, 7, and 4 — two daughters and one son — who are now orphaned and left without parental care.
After the post-mortem in Bangalore, the bodies are being brought back to Bhatkal. The funeral prayers are expected to be held at Nawayath Colony Tanzeem Juma Masjid around 10 p.m., followed by burial at the Nawayath Colony graveyard.