Bhatkal: Four persons were injured after two cars collided head-on on National Highway-66 near Venkatapur bridge in Bhatkal late on Wednesday night.

The mishap occurred when a car travelling from Bhatkal towards Honnavar collided with another vehicle carrying passengers from Bantwal near Mangaluru.

Those injured in the accident were identified as Mohammed Mushafar (26), Mohammed Ashraf Ismail (34), Fauzia, Mohammed Ashraf (29), Abdul Khader Ajwal (21) and Mohammed Asthan (19). The car from Bhatkal was reportedly being driven by Bhimappa Hanumanthappa Ganjur, a resident of Haveri, who escaped unhurt.

Soon after the accident, all the injured were shifted to a private hospital in a highway police patrol vehicle and provided medical treatment.

Sources said the occupants of both cars were wearing seat belts and the airbags deployed on impact, helping avert a major tragedy and reducing the severity of injuries.

On receiving information, Rural PSI Mallikarjun Korani visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.