Bhatkal: An auto rickshaw driver was crushed to death when a bus hit his auto from opposite direction at Ananthwadi NH 66, near Honnavar.  The accident occurred on Thursday evening when the auto was returning back to Manki after dropping the passengers at Honnavar.

The deceased auto driver has been identified as Vinayak Vishnu Moger (23) hailing from Ananthwadi.

According to sources, the private bus was on its way to Mumbai from Mangalore. It is believed that the bus was trying to overtake another vehicle at a high speed when the collision occurred. The bus driver immediately fled the scene.

The impact of the accident was so severe that the auto was completely mangled in the collision.

A large crowd gathered at the spot soon after the accident and started throwing stones on the bus. Some people also tried to set the bus on fire, but Honnavar CPI Kumara swamy reached the spot with additional police force and controlled the situation. The mob damaged the bus by stoning the window pains, said a police source. People alleged that the accident occurred due to bus driver's negligence.
The accident occurred around 7pm and highway was blocked for more than 2 hours.

The body of deceased has been taken to Manki Govt hospital for post mortem and a case has been registered in Manki police station. Honnavar CPI told SahilOnline over phone that the situation is under control and the highway was cleared for traffic movement around 9pm.