Fifth Death on ‘Highway to Hell’ Near Kulur
Scooter rider dies after pothole crash on notorious highway.
A tragic accident on National Highway-66 near Kulur in Mangaluru has claimed another life, reigniting outrage over the deplorable condition of the road, dubbed a “highway to hell” by locals. On Tuesday morning, Madhavi, a 32-year-old from Udupi and an employee at AJ Hospital, was killed when her scooter hit a pothole near the Kulur flyover at around 8:30 AM. The impact caused her to lose balance, flinging her onto the road, where she was fatally run over by a lorry. The horrific incident, captured on CCTV, has sparked widespread anger against civic authorities for their failure to address the road’s hazardous conditions.
Eyewitnesses reported that Madhavi was thrown at least 25 feet into the air before the lorry struck her, killing her instantly. Locals allege this marks the fifth pothole-related death on this stretch of NH-66, with a similar accident captured by the same CCTV camera on August 13, 2025, when another rider fell after hitting a pothole but survived. “This is not a road; it’s a death trap,” said a furious resident, pointing to the crater-like potholes that have plagued the highway for months despite repeated complaints to the authorities.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and local civic bodies have faced mounting criticism for their inaction, with residents accusing them of gross negligence. “We’ve been complaining for years, but nothing is done. How many more lives must be lost?” asked a shopkeeper near the flyover. The stretch, a critical artery connecting Mangaluru to Udupi and beyond, sees heavy traffic, including trucks and buses, amplifying the danger posed by its poor maintenance.
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Karnataka’s Public Works Department has promised an investigation, with officials stating that emergency repairs will be prioritized. However, locals remain skeptical, citing unfulfilled assurances after previous accidents. The tragedy has also prompted calls for stricter oversight of road maintenance and accountability for contractors responsible for NH-66’s upkeep.
Madhavi’s death has sent shockwaves through the community, with social media campaigns demanding justice and immediate road repairs trending across Karnataka. As the state government faces pressure to act, the incident underscores a broader issue of civic negligence in maintaining India’s highways, leaving motorists vulnerable to preventable tragedies.
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