A severe landslide on National Highway-66 near Shirur town in Ankola taluk, Uttara Kannada district, claimed the lives of seven out of nine people trapped under the mud. The hill, which had been excavated by IRB company for highway widening, collapsed due to heavy rains. Rescue operations by fire brigade personnel and NDRF are ongoing, with more people suspected to be trapped.
The landslide occurred when an LPG tanker parked near a hotel on Highway 66 got buried. The driver and cleaner of the tanker were among those trapped. Uttara Kannada Lok Sabha MP Vishweshwar Hegade Kageri confirmed that seven people, including five members of the same family, have died. The likelihood of survival for the remaining two individuals is minimal.
The landslide struck a car carrying the family, leading to their deaths. Additionally, a tea shop collapsed, burying customers who were present. The landslide pushed the gas tanker towards the nearby Gangavali river. The driver and cleaner of the tanker, who were reportedly having tea at the shop, are missing. One body has been recovered, and the NDRF continues the operation to retrieve the remaining victims. A police official confirmed that rescue efforts are ongoing.