In a terrifying incident that underscores the perils of sudden tyre failure, a priest from Karnataka miraculously walked away with only minor injuries after his car flipped multiple times on a highway near Mangaluru. The dramatic accident, which occurred on the morning of January 3, 2026, was captured in chilling detail by a roadside CCTV camera, providing a stark visual of the vehicle's violent tumble.
The Moment of Terror: CCTV Captures Dramatic Crash
The video footage, which has since circulated widely, shows the priest's white sedan travelling at a considerable speed on what appears to be the National Highway 66 stretch near Mangaluru. Without any apparent warning, the car's front left tyre suddenly bursts. The loss of control is instantaneous and catastrophic.
The vehicle veers sharply to its left, mounts the road divider, and then flips over completely. The force of the impact sends the car into a series of violent rolls before it finally comes to a rest on its side, facing the opposite direction. The entire sequence lasts mere seconds but leaves behind a scene of utter devastation, with debris scattered across the road.
A Divine Survival: Minor Injuries Amidst Wreckage
Despite the horrific nature of the crash, which left the car severely mangled and its windows shattered, the occupant had a miraculous escape. The priest, whose identity has been confirmed but is being withheld out of respect for privacy, managed to crawl out of the wreckage with only minor injuries.
Local authorities and emergency services responded promptly to the scene. The priest was immediately provided with first aid and was later taken to a nearby hospital for a thorough medical examination. Doctors confirmed that he sustained no major or life-threatening injuries, a fact that has been described as nothing short of extraordinary given the state of the vehicle.
Aftermath and Road Safety Reminders
The accident has sparked renewed conversations about road safety, particularly concerning vehicle maintenance and the dangers of tyre bursts at high speeds. Experts often cite under-inflation, overloading, wear and tear, and hitting potholes as common causes of sudden tyre failure.
This incident serves as a critical reminder for all motorists to regularly check their vehicle's tyre pressure and overall condition. A routine inspection can often prevent such catastrophic failures. Furthermore, the priest's survival, while fortunate, highlights the absolute necessity of wearing seatbelts, which remain the single most effective device for saving lives in collisions.
The Mangaluru police have registered a case and are investigating the exact cause of the tyre burst. They have also appealed to the public to drive cautiously, especially on high-speed corridors, and to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on long journeys.
