A major accident was averted after a large tree fell on a moving car at Bengamale on the Sullia–Bellare road on Monday, leaving the vehicle completely damaged while the occupants escaped with minor injuries.

The Swift Dzire car, owned by Sullia’s Ummer, was reportedly being used as a hired vehicle. Bank manager Utsav Chakravarthy and another person were returning towards Sullia from Panja after loan recovery work when the incident occurred. A huge roadside tree suddenly collapsed onto the moving vehicle, crushing it.

All passengers sustained minor injuries but escaped without serious harm. The fallen tree blocked traffic for nearly half an hour. Local residents later cleared the tree and restored vehicular movement.