Bhatkal: Two youths lost their lives in a tragic road accident that occurred late Saturday night on the Venkatapur National Highway in Bhatkal, sending shockwaves of grief across the area.
According to sources, both youths were travelling in a car from Shirali to Bhatkal at around midnight. As the vehicle reached the Venkatapur stretch of the National Highway, it rammed into an electric pole on the roadside under circumstances that are yet to be fully ascertained. Sources further revealed that a quantity of jelly stones was found scattered at the accident site, raising suspicions about the possible cause of the mishap.
It was also observed that three to four CCTV cameras are installed in the vicinity of the accident spot. Officials expect that footage from these cameras will help establish the exact sequence of events leading to the crash.
In the impact, a 15-year-old boy died on the spot. He has been identified as Bilal, son of Mohammed Ashraf Ruknuddin Shipai, a resident of Azad Nagar in Bhatkal and a Class 10 student. The car was being driven by Ayan, son of Abdul Salam Akrami (20), who sustained critical injuries and was being shifted to Udupi for advanced treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries on the way. Ayan was pursuing a degree at a college in Mangaluru.
The body of Bilal has been shifted to the Bhatkal Government Hospital, where post-mortem and other legal formalities will be conducted before handing it over to the bereaved family. The tragic incident has plunged the families of the deceased and the local community into deep mourning.