Kasaragod (Kerala): Six people, including women and children, were killed when a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus collided with an autorickshaw at Thalappady, on the Kerala-Karnataka border at Manjeswar, on Thursday afternoon.
The victims, including the autorickshaw driver and its passengers, were reported to be natives of Karnataka. Two others were injured and rushed to a hospital in Mangaluru.
Details of the accident
The KSRTC bus, operating on the Kasargod–Mangaluru route, met with the accident around 1.45 pm. According to authorities, the bus driver lost control, resulting in the vehicle ramming into the autorickshaw as well as a bus waiting shelter.
Initial reports indicate that brake failure and overspeeding were the primary causes of the collision. The two injured victims were reportedly waiting at the bus shelter when the bus hit it.
Immediate response
Local police and emergency services responded promptly to the incident. The injured were stabilised and admitted to hospital, while authorities launched an investigation to determine the precise circumstances leading to the crash.
Conclusion
The tragic accident underscores ongoing concerns about vehicle maintenance and road safety on busy interstate routes. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits, particularly near border areas and crowded bus stops.