Four youths died after their car crashed into a sugarcane-laden tractor near the Siddapur Prabhulingeshwar Sugar Factory in Jamkhandi taluk shortly after midnight on Monday.
Victims returning from temple fair
The deceased have been identified as Praveen Shedabal (22), Ishwar alias Vishwanath Kumbar (17), Ganesh Allimatti (20) and Prajwal Shedabal (17).
Police said Praveen was driving, with Ishwar in the front passenger seat, while Ganesh and Prajwal were seated at the rear. They were reportedly travelling from Siddapur towards the Shiroli Kadasiddeshwar temple fair when the tragedy occurred.
Speeding Etios wedged under tractor trolley
Preliminary investigation revealed that the tractor, carrying sugarcane with two attached trolleys, had slowed near a speed breaker around 12.30 am. The speeding Tata Etios failed to brake in time and rammed the rear trolley, becoming partially wedged underneath.
Police confirmed the tractor had proper reflectors and safety indicators, but the overspeeding car could not slow down in time.
One youth died on the spot. The two front-seat occupants survived initially due to airbag deployment, but later succumbed to injuries. The fourth victim died during treatment at hospital.
Case registered
Jamkhandi Police have registered a case and further investigation is underway.