Speeding Bus Rams Parked Tanker, Lorry, 3 Die Near Kundapur
Police said that the accident occurred around 1.30 pm when the bus, travelling from Byndoor towards Kundapur, allegedly veered to the extreme left due to rash and negligent driving.
Kundapur: Three persons died and several others injured after a speeding tourist bus rammed into two parked heavy vehicles on National Highway 66 near Trasi-Maravanthe, about 50 km from Udupi, on Tuesday afternoon.
The deceased have been identified as Raghu alias Umesh, Ranganath and Hemanth.
Police said that the accident occurred around 1.30 pm when the bus, travelling from Byndoor towards Kundapur, allegedly veered to the extreme left due to rash and negligent driving. It first crashed into a stationary petroleum tanker parked on the roadside and then, after the driver lost control, ploughed into a stationary lorry ahead.
The bus was carrying final-year BCom students of Rambhapuri College under Kuvempu University of Shivamogga district. Apart from the students, teachers, supporting staff, an additional driver, and a cleaner were also travelling in the bus.
They were returning from a tour to Dandeli and Honnavar. The mishap occurred as the group was nearing the Trasi-Maravanthe stretch.
The impact left the front portion of the bus completely mangled, trapping several passengers inside. Locals and emergency responders rushed to the spot and rescued the injured, who were shifted to nearby hospitals in ambulances.
Police said three passengers—Raghu (34) alias Umesh, Ranganath and Hemanth—who had sustained grievous injuries and were unconscious, later succumbed at hospital.
"While Raghu was the additional driver, Ranganath was the cleaner, and Hemanth was the cook. Three students are undergoing surgeries and treatments. All are out of danger," Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar told reporters.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the accident was caused by overspeeding and negligent driving by the bus driver, identified as Manjunath. A case has been registered against him at Gangolli police station under BNS Sections 281 (rash or negligent driving endangering human life), 125(a) (act endangering life or personal safety of others), and 106 (causing death by negligence).
Senior police officials, led by SP Hariram Shankar, visited the spot.
