Bantwal: A five-year-old UKG student was killed and two other children were injured after a massive roadside tree was uprooted during heavy rain and strong winds and crashed onto a moving school bus near Kalletti Daivasthana close to Barimaru in Dakshina Kannada on Wednesday, July 22. The incident has shocked the district and renewed concerns over the safety of roadside trees during the monsoon season.
The deceased has been identified as Chiranvi (5), a UKG student at Sri Rama Vidya Kendra, Kalladka, and daughter of Chandrashekhar, a resident of Perne. The tragic accident has left the family, local residents and the school community in deep mourning.
Tree crashes onto moving school bus
The accident occurred when the school bus belonging to Sri Rama Vidya Kendra, Kalladka, was transporting students home after school.
According to reports, the bus was travelling from Mani through Baranikere, Barimaru and Kalletti, and was heading towards Perne via Budoli when a huge roadside tree was uprooted due to incessant rain and strong winds. The tree suddenly fell on the moving bus, causing extensive damage to the vehicle and injuring several children.
Emergency responders and local residents rushed to the spot immediately after the incident. Rescue efforts were launched to evacuate the children from the damaged bus before they were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
One child dies, two others injured
Chiranvi sustained critical injuries in the accident and succumbed despite efforts to save her. Her death has cast a pall of gloom over Perne and neighbouring villages.
Another student, Anvi, daughter of Ganesh Gowda and a resident of Peraje Sadikukku, suffered serious injuries in the mishap. She was initially provided emergency care before being shifted to a private hospital in Mangaluru, where she is undergoing specialised treatment under the supervision of expert doctors.
A third student, Kshithi Rai, a resident of Perne, also sustained injuries. She is receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kalladka, and her condition is reported to be under medical observation.
Temple damaged and power supply disrupted
The uprooted tree also fell on the nearby Kalletti Daivasthana, causing damage to a portion of the temple premises.
The impact disrupted electricity supply in the surrounding area after power lines were affected. Vehicular movement on the road was also brought to a standstill for several hours as the fallen tree blocked the roadway.
Officials and local authorities later deployed personnel and machinery to clear the tree and restore normal traffic movement. Electricity department staff also worked to restore the interrupted power supply.
Public demands preventive action
The tragedy has sparked widespread concern among residents, who have urged authorities to identify and remove weak or dangerous roadside trees before they pose a threat during the ongoing monsoon.
Several local organisations and members of the public expressed their condolences to Chiranvi’s family and called for regular inspections of roadside trees, particularly along school bus routes and other busy roads.
Residents said timely pruning or removal of unstable trees could help prevent similar accidents during periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Deputy Chief Minister expresses grief
Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara expressed shock and sorrow over the death of the young student.
In a post on X, he conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Chiranvi’s family and said he had spoken to the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner regarding the incident. He directed the district administration to ensure appropriate compensation is provided to the bereaved family and instructed officials to arrange the best possible medical treatment for the injured children.
Parameshwara also stated that he had requested Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister U.T. Khader to personally monitor the relief measures and extend all necessary assistance to the affected families. He assured that the Karnataka government stands firmly with the families during this difficult time.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the importance of conducting regular safety inspections of roadside trees, particularly during the monsoon season, to safeguard commuters and schoolchildren from unforeseen accidents.