Udupi: Eight schoolchildren were killed and several others injured in a major accident near Gangolli in Udupi district when a speeding bus hit a van carrying the schoolchildren on Tuesday.
The Omni van, which was carrying 17 schoolchildren along with a teacher, was on its way to Don Bosco School near Gangolli. The driver’s wife, who is serving as the teacher in the school, and also their child were in the same car. Around 9.25 am, when the van took a turn on the National Highway to go to the school, a bus that was on its way to Kundapur from Gangolli hit the van.
The driver, his wife and the children were injured. Eight children, identified as Ananya, Nikhita, Calista, Delwin D’Souza, Clarissa, Anasta, Alwita and Royston, died at the hospital.
A case has been registered at Gangolli police station under Section 279, 337, 338, 304 (A). The police department has decided to look into the possible violations or rules and other aspects related to the accident. “We have taken this case seriously. We will have discussions with the road transport office and deputy commissioner,” Superintendent of Police Annamalai said.
