A devastating accident claimed the life of two-year-old Hridyananda near Karle in Mulleria, close to Adur, on Thursday evening. The young girl, daughter of M Hari Das and Sreevidya from Bellige, was fatally injured when the family’s car overturned around 6 pm.

The mishap happened while the family was returning home from the local market. Their car had stalled on a sloped road featuring a trench dug for rainwater drainage. As the mother and children exited to push the vehicle, the car’s tyre got stuck in the trench, causing the engine to shut down.

While the elder sister, Devananda, stayed inside the car, the vehicle suddenly restarted and moved forward as it was being pushed. Tragically, Hridyananda, who was standing in front of the car, was trapped underneath.

Though the mother was thrown aside and sustained only minor injuries, the toddler was caught beneath the vehicle. Locals rushed to help and immediately took her to Mulleria hospital, but despite their efforts, she could not be saved.

The child’s body has been moved to the Kasargod general hospital mortuary. Police from Adur have registered a case and are conducting an investigation into the incident.