Hanumavva (25), Deepa (31), Savitha (17), Supreetha (11), Indiravva (24) and Maruthi have been identified as the deceased (42).
The deceased were on their way from Hulanda village to the famous Saundatti Yallamma Temple. The incident occurred when the Bolero vehicle they were travelling in turned turtle while negotiating a curve after the driver lost control and rammed a banyan tree before collapsing.
According to police, the deceased were walking towards the temple when a passing vehicle driver insisted on giving them a lift.
A few minutes after they boarded, an accident occurred, killing five people on the spot and another while being transported to the hospital. The preliminary investigation revealed that the accident occurred as a result of rash and negligent driving.
The Bolero goods vehicle had 23 passengers on board. The incident injured approximately 16 people, who were taken to nearby hospitals. Sanjeev Patil, Superintendent of Police (SP), rushed to the scene.
Govinda Karajol, Minister for Water Resources and District In-Charge, has announced a Rs 5 lakh compensation package for the victims’ families. He expressed his condolences for the deaths.
