Thokkottu: Rider killed in jeep-scooter collision

Ullal: A scooter rider died in an accident after being hit by a ‘speeding’ jeep on the service road near the Thokkottu overbridge on National Highway 66. The pillion rider sustained severe injuries and is undergoing treatment.

The deceased has been identified as Arun Kumar (43), a resident of Sampige Daddi in Harekala village, Ullal. The injured pillion rider, Hemavathi, a resident of Ranipur, is being treated in a hospital.

Arun, who worked as a waiter at the Wine and Dine Bar and Restaurant in Kapikad, Thokkottu, was returning home on his scooter after work late Saturday night. He had given a ride to Hemavathi, a bar cleaner, when the jeep hit them head-on on the service road.

Arun succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital.

Police at the Mangaluru South Traffic Station have registered a case against the jeep driver, identified as Shashank from Ullalbail.

Arun is survived by his parents, wife, and two children. He was the family’s sole breadwinner, including his ailing parents, whom he cared for.