Pramesh S Jain
Five people,including four women,were killed and more than 10 others sustained serious injuries in a tragic road accident on National Highway 44 near Gangotri Petrol Bunk on the outskirts of Bagepalli town in Chikkaballapur district on Sunday.
The victims were daily-wage labourers who were returning home in an autorickshaw after completing their day’s work when the accident occurred.
Senior officer told reporters that the accident involved a Mahindra Thar SUV,an autorickshaw and a canter vehicle.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the Thar, allegedly travelling at high speed,rammed into the autorickshaw from behind.
The impact caused the autorickshaw to lose control and crash into a canter vehicle moving ahead,triggering a devastating chain-reaction collision.
The force of the crash completely crushed the autorickshaw,killing five occupants on the spot.
The deceased have been identified as Umadevi (55), Vijaya (40),Lakshmamma(50),Sarojamma and autorickshaw driver Anjinappa (35).All were residents of Bagepalli town.
More than 10 others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
Chikkaballapur Superintendent of Police Kushal Chowksey visited the accident site and reviewed the situation.
Police officials conducted an inspection and initiated further investigation into the incident.
A case has been registered at the Bagepalli Police Station,and authorities are investigating the exact circumstances that led to the fatal accident.
