Bhatkal: A group of  five Bhatkali students who were on their way to Karwar to attend SSLC exam, met with a tragic road accident after their car flipped over on Shirur NH-66 in the outskirts of Ankola. This resulted in the instant death of one student, while injuring two. The incident happened on Thursday at around 7:30 AM.

The deceased was identified as Moulvi Hafiz Shammas Golte (19) s/o Aijaz Golte, a resident of Jamia street in Bhatkal. He was on his way to write the SSLC exam along with his friends when the tragedy occurred.

Eyewitnesses said that the accident occurred when the car hit a mound of soil beside the road and lost its balance, flipping over. While the other passengers survived with minor injuries, Shammas's head suffered a serious hit from the impact and he died on the spot.

The deceased was a Hafiz of Quran, a graduate (Aalim) in Islamic studies from Jamia Islamia Bhatkal and was the Imam who lead prayers at Mushma Masjid in Bhatkal. He was also associated with several other religous organizations. He had registered as an external student to appear for the SSLC examinations. He was the only child of his parents.

The injured were identified as Ahmed Iyad s/o Maulvi SM Hashim Nadvi, and Ismail s/o Late Maulana Iqbal Barmawar. Two other passengers who escaped unhurt were Shakir Mavad and Shebaz Siddibapa. They were taken to Karwar so that they can appear for their exams.

It is to be noted that more than 50 students from Bhatkal had left to Karwar to attend exam on the fateful day.

As soon as the news of the tragic accident spread, Bhatkali social worker Inayatullah Shabandari alerted the social workers from Kumta and Ankola, requesting them to reach the spot and help the victims. Members of Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation lead by its president Imtiyaz Udyawar also reached the spot.

The body of Shammas has been shifted to Ankola Government Hispital for post mortem, after which it will be handed over to his family members.

A case has been registered in Ankola police station.