HAVERI: In a tragic accident early Friday morning, thirteen people lost their lives and four others were injured when the tempo they were traveling in collided with a parked truck on National Highway No 48 near Gundenahalli village, close to Byadagi cross. The ill-fated incident occurred as the tempo rammed into the stationary lorry on the highway, whose driver had fled the scene.
The passengers were returning from a three-day pilgrimage, having departed from Chinchali in Belagavi late Thursday night, and were en route to Bhadravati. The collision claimed the lives of Parshuram (66), Bhagya (33), Nagesh (34), Vishalaskhi (36), Arpita (22), Subhadra Bai (68), Punya (2), Roopa (2), Manjula Bai (58), Adharsha (23), Manasa (33), and Manjuala (55), with one victim yet to be identified. The deceased were residents of Emmihatti village in Bhadravati taluk, Shivamogga district. Tragically, the family also lost twins in the accident.
Upon receiving emergency calls, medical teams promptly arrived at the scene to assist the injured, who are now being treated at Haveri government hospital. Two of the injured are in serious condition in the ICU.
Anshu Kumar, Superintendent of Police (SP) in Haveri, indicated that the lorry’s improper parking likely caused the accident. Efforts are underway to locate the lorry driver and his assistant, who remain at large. The stretch between Haveri and Motebennur is notorious for deadly accidents, with a long-awaited connecting bridge at Motebennur yet to be completed after nearly 20 years. Local residents gathered at the accident site following the news, while police cleared the wreckage to resume traffic flow.
