At least five people were killed, and two others remain in critical condition following a road accident on National Highway 63 near Bhanapur in Kuknoor taluk of Koppal district on Saturday morning.
The victims, residents of Kabbar village in Rattihalli taluk of Haveri district, were travelling in an Omni vehicle en route to Mantralayam, a well-known pilgrim centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district. According to preliminary reports, the accident occurred when the driver of a lorry lost control, crossed the divider, and rammed into the Omni vehicle coming from the opposite direction.
Four victims—Kenchamma Balekai (35), Amrita Kotyal (25), Ramesh Bellari (45), and Praveen Balekai (23)—died on the spot. Chinmaya (30), who sustained severe injuries, succumbed later at the Koppal District Hospital.
Six others injured in the crash have been admitted to the Koppal District Hospital, with two reported to be in critical condition.
The Kukanur police rushed to the spot, conducted an inspection, and registered a case. Further investigation into the incident is underway.
Expressing grief over the tragedy, former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, now the BJP Lok Sabha MP from Haveri, said in a post on X that the news of the deaths and injuries was “very painful.” He noted that several victims were from Rattihalli taluk and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
Bommai urged the state government to immediately announce appropriate compensation for the families of the deceased and ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment.
Follow us
