A speeding bus hit and killed an elderly man walking on the footpath in Hebri. The tragic incident raises serious road safety concerns for pedestrians in small towns.

Elderly Pedestrian Killed in Hebri After Bus Mounts Footpath — Authorities Investigating Safety Lapses

By Kudla News Desk | Hebri | June 12, 2025

HEBRI — A tragic incident unfolded in the quiet town of Hebri on Tuesday, June 11, when a pedestrian was fatally struck by a private bus that veered off its lane and onto a footpath. The victim, Shankar (71), a local resident, was on his routine morning walk near Hebri Junction when the speeding bus, en route from Shimoga, collided with him.

The vehicle involved, identified as KA-14-B-4118, belongs to the Shobit bus service. Eyewitnesses say the bus appeared to be traveling at an unusually high speed when it approached the junction. “It all happened in a flash. One moment he was walking, the next, we heard a loud thud and saw Shankar lying unconscious,” said Ravi Nayak, a shopkeeper who witnessed the event.

Shankar was immediately rushed to Hebri Health Care Hospital by bystanders. Despite the efforts of emergency staff, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, never regaining consciousness.

Community in Shock, Questions Raised on Traffic Management

The incident has sent shockwaves through Hebri’s close-knit community. Residents have raised concerns over increasing reckless driving on the narrow roads of the region, particularly near pedestrian-prone areas such as Hebri Junction, which sees considerable foot traffic during morning and evening hours.

“This is not the first time something like this has happened,” said Meenakshi D’Souza, a local school teacher. “Footpaths are not safe anymore. Buses often overtake on curves and use the wrong lanes to save a few seconds.”

Local activists are now demanding that speed breakers and traffic cameras be installed near the junction to prevent further tragedies.

Police Launch Investigation; Driver Likely to Face Charges

The Hebri Police have registered a case and begun an investigation. A senior official confirmed that the driver of the bus fled the scene immediately after the collision but was later detained for questioning.

“Initial reports suggest that the driver may have lost control while overtaking another vehicle,” said Inspector Ramesh Bhat, who is leading the probe. “We are reviewing CCTV footage and verifying the bus’s mechanical condition to determine if brake failure or human negligence was involved.”

Legal experts believe that the driver could face charges under IPC Sections 304A (causing death by negligence) and 279 (rash driving), depending on the findings of the police inquiry.

Broader Pattern: Are India’s Small Towns Becoming Less Safe for Pedestrians?

While metro cities have slowly improved pedestrian infrastructure through skywalks, zebra crossings, and foot overbridges, Tier-3 towns like Hebri still lack basic road safety features. According to a 2024 report by the National Road Safety Council, nearly 12% of all road fatalities in India occur on footpaths or roadside margins—primarily due to driver negligence and lack of enforcement.

Experts argue that Hebri's tragedy is a reflection of broader infrastructural and policy gaps.

“Even rural towns need dedicated pedestrian zones and strict bus route management,” says Dr. Kiran Nair, a transport policy analyst. “We wait for tragedy to act—when preventive planning should have been the priority.”

📢 What’s Next: Administration Promises Swift Action

Following public outrage, the Udupi District Transport Officer has called an emergency meeting with Hebri town officials to:

  • Review the safety infrastructure at Hebri Junction

  • Re-evaluate speed regulations for private buses

  • Install signage and hazard alerts for pedestrians

  • Temporarily suspend the route license of the involved bus service pending investigation

A preliminary report is expected within three days.

🔚 Conclusion

Tuesday’s tragic death serves as a grim reminder of the growing challenges pedestrians face—even in towns once considered safe. As Hebri mourns the loss of one of its respected elders, it also stands at a crossroads: will this be the wake-up call the town needs to prioritize safety over speed?

Until better safeguards are in place, the roads remain as dangerous as ever—for the oldest and the youngest among us.