Farangipete : A 28-year-old auto driver lost his life in a heartbreaking road accident near Hattane Milekallu in Farangipete on Friday afternoon. The deceased, identified as Zahid, a resident of Amemmar, was fatally struck by a KSRTC bus while returning after helping children safely cross the road.
According to eyewitnesses, Zahid was seen guiding a group of children across the busy stretch when the accident occurred. Once the children reached the other side, Zahid turned to walk back when a speeding KSRTC bus from Mangaluru reportedly hit him. He died on the spot, leaving behind a stunned crowd and a grieving neighborhood.
Zahid’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the local community. Known for his kind nature and willingness to help, he was a familiar face to many in the area. Those who knew him say it was in his nature to look out for others—something he was doing right before the fatal incident.
His loss is particularly painful for his family, who had already faced the hardship of losing their father. Zahid was one of the main earners in the family and supported his mother, three brothers, and two sisters. The news of his sudden death has left them shattered.
Local residents are calling for better safety measures in the area, especially near schools and residential zones where children often cross the roads. Many have voiced concerns about speeding buses and the lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. There is growing demand for authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and take immediate steps to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The KSRTC and police officials have not yet released an official statement, but investigations are underway. Zahid’s body was sent for post-mortem and later handed over to the family. The funeral, held later in the day, saw an outpouring of grief as friends, neighbors, and relatives gathered to bid farewell to a young man whose life was cut short far too soon.
