Mangaluru: Motorcyclist dies after crashing into truck that allegedly stopped suddenly on NH-66

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jul 4, 2026: A 51-year-old motorcyclist died after his bike rammed into a truck that was allegedly stopped suddenly on the side of the road near the BharatBenz showroom at Kolnad on National Highway 66 late on Thursday night.

The deceased has been identified as R. Swaminathan (51), a resident of Padukodi, Urandadi Gudde, near Trisha College in Panjimogaru, Mangaluru.

According to police, the truck, which was transporting goods from Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram, was being driven by Vinuraj. As the vehicle reached near the BharatBenz showroom at Kolnad, close to Mulki, the driver allegedly brought the truck to a sudden halt.

At the same time, Swaminathan, who was riding towards Mangaluru, crashed into the rear of the truck. He sustained severe injuries in the impact and was rushed to Mukka Hospital by local residents. However, he succumbed to his injuries despite medical treatment.

The accident disrupted traffic on the highway for some time. Personnel from the Mangaluru North Traffic Police and the National Highways authorities visited the spot, conducted an inspection, and later cleared both vehicles from the road.

Swaminathan is survived by his wife and two children. A case has been registered against truck driver Vinuraj at the Mangaluru North Traffic Police Station.