A tragic road accident occurred in the early hours of Monday when a private bus en route to Mangaluru veered off a bridge and plunged into a stream near Agasur village in Uttara Kannada district. The mishap, which happened around 3:00 AM, claimed one life and left several others injured, police officials confirmed.
The deceased has been identified as Vinayak Shinde, a resident of Hubballi. According to preliminary investigations, the driver was reportedly speeding and lost control of the vehicle while attempting to swerve around potholes. This reckless maneuver caused the bus to crash into the bridge’s edge before overturning and falling into the water body below.
Emergency response teams, including local residents and police personnel, rushed to the scene and promptly began rescue operations. Thanks to their swift action, all remaining passengers were safely evacuated from the submerged vehicle.
Authorities reported that a total of 18 individuals sustained minor injuries and were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The injured are said to be in stable condition.
Following the rescue efforts, the wrecked bus was pulled out of the stream using a crane. Police stated that a detailed investigation is currently underway to ascertain further details and determine accountability.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and poorly maintained roads, particularly during night travel.