Bengaluru: Four people were killed and several others injured in a tragic road accident on the Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway in the early hours of Monday. The mishap occurred near Puttappanadoddi in Sankalagere village of Channapatna taluk.
The accident involved a private bus operated by a Kerala-based travel company, which was travelling from Kerala to Bengaluru when it crashed into a highway divider around 4.30 am.
Driver negligence suspected
Initial reports suggested that the driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting to avoid an oncoming vehicle. However, police investigations have indicated a different cause.
According to traffic police officials, CCTV footage from the stretch suggests that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the accident. “The driver claimed he swerved to avoid another vehicle, but footage indicates possible drowsiness,” a senior officer said.
The Channapatna Traffic Police have arrested the driver and registered a case of negligent driving.
Casualties and injuries
Police confirmed that two passengers died on the spot due to the impact, while two others succumbed to their injuries later at a hospital.
The deceased have been identified as Mohammed Farhan (22), a resident of Koyilandy in Kozhikode district, Darshan (45) from Kalasipalya in Bengaluru, Shakeer (27) from Annepalya in Adugodi, and Mahi (45) from Puducherry.
Two other passengers, Abdul and Alain from Kannur, sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.
Expressway safety concerns
The accident has once again raised concerns over safety on the Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway, a high-speed corridor that has witnessed several accidents since its opening.
Experts point out that driver fatigue, overspeeding, and long-distance travel without adequate rest are among the major causes of accidents on such expressways. Authorities have repeatedly advised drivers to take breaks and avoid driving while drowsy.
Need for stricter enforcement
Officials have stressed the importance of stricter enforcement of road safety norms, especially for commercial vehicles and long-distance bus operators. Regular monitoring, driver rest regulations, and awareness campaigns are being seen as critical measures to prevent such incidents.
Conclusion
The fatal accident near Channapatna highlights the dangers of driver fatigue and negligence on high-speed highways. With four lives lost, authorities are expected to intensify safety checks and enforcement to prevent similar tragedies in the future.